43 episodes

Elevated Entertainment focusing on arts, culture, and society from an award-winning journalist. 

Underground Magnolia Podcast Desireia Valteau

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 10 Ratings

Elevated Entertainment focusing on arts, culture, and society from an award-winning journalist. 

    NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Celebrates His Passion for Diverse Music and New Orleans

    NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison Celebrates His Passion for Diverse Music and New Orleans

    In this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, we delve into the remarkable journey of renowned jazz saxophonist, Donald Harrison, often hailed as the “father of Omniverse music.” Born and raised in New Orleans, Harrison’s musical prowess transcends eras, genres, and boundaries.
    Key Highlights:
    Versatility Across Jazz Eras and Beyond:Harrison’s artistry extends far beyond traditional jazz. He seamlessly weaves soul, funk, and even classical orchestral compositions into his repertoire.Having shared the stage with luminaries like Art Blakey, Eddie Palmieri, Dr. John, Miles Davis, Ron Carter, and Chuck Loeb, Harrison’s musical lineage is rich and diverse.Jazz Master Recognition:In 2022, the National Endowment for the Arts bestowed upon him the prestigious title of Jazz Master, a testament to his immense contributions to the genre.Mentoring the Next Generation:Harrison’s influence extends beyond performance. Artists such as Christian Scott, Jon Batiste, Esperanza Spalding, Trombone Shorty, and even The Notorious B.I.G. have benefited from his mentorship.Musical Exploration Onstage:Recently, Harrison has been captivating audiences with a fusion of sounds. His performances seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary jazz, swing, hip-hop, trap, soul, and more.Roots and Inspiration:Discover how a historical New Orleans slave gathering place informs Harrison’s music, connecting him to the city’s rich cultural heritage.Uncover the story behind his moniker, Big Chief Donald Harrison.Join us as we explore the life, legacy, and boundless creativity of this jazz icon. Tune in to Underground Magnolia Podcast for an unforgettable musical journey.

    MUSIC:
    Theme: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg

    Music by Donald Harrison:
    Art of Passion (Hard Swing)
    Art of Passion (Trap Hip Hop)
    Art of Passion (Trap Hip Hop Jazz)
    The Magic Touch
    The Magic Touch (Nouveau Swing)
    the Magic Touch (Omniverse Single)
    New York Second Line (Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison)
    Congo Square Suite (Movement I) 
    Congo Square Suite (Movement 2) 
    Congo Square Suite (Movement 3) 
    CONTACT:
    Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)
    Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)
     
    Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.
     
    To be featured on the podcast, send an email.
    Support the Show.

    • 15 min
    Meet Spelman Student Nyla Choates - Fearless Youth Leader, Author & Entrepreneur

    Meet Spelman Student Nyla Choates - Fearless Youth Leader, Author & Entrepreneur

    In this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Nyla Choates-an inspiring youth activist, entrepreneur, and author. The 19-year-old founded the nonprofit My Roots Are Rich as a high school student in Milpitas, California. The organization takes a proactive stance against systemic racism by conducting a variety of self-pride and literacy workshops across the nation.
    In 2021, Nyla demonstrated her commitment to social justice by organizing a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest in her hometown, which is in Silicon Valley. A year later, she self-published a children’s book titled after her nonprofit that encourages young readers to embrace their heritage and take pride in their roots.


    Currently, Nyla is a junior at the historically Black women’s college, Spelman, where her leadership prowess has earned her numerous awards in business and entrepreneurship. Her journey exemplifies resilience, passion, and the power of using one’s voice to effect positive change.


    Listen in to find out more about this impressive young woman.


    MUSIC:
    Theme: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg
    Affection by Sappheiros  
    The Way by Mike Leite
    Breaking Down by Groove Bakery
    Chillin Out by Barradeen

    CONTACT:
    Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)
    Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)
     
    Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.
     
    To be featured on the podcast, send an email.
    Support the Show.

    • 13 min
    Saxophonist Andre Ward Talks New Music, Sade, The Emotions & Earth, Wind & Fire

    Saxophonist Andre Ward Talks New Music, Sade, The Emotions & Earth, Wind & Fire

    Saxophonist Andre Ward, who has been on the contemporary jazz scene for over 25 years, joins Underground Magnolia Podcast to talk about  his latest album, "Africa Rising" and his storied background.  

    The Chicago native discusses the following:
    "Africa Rising," as a whole, tells a story about love and relationships to a conscious beat of Black Excellence. Retellings of The Emotions' 1977 classic, "Don't Ask My Neighbor's" and Sade's 1992 hit, "Kiss of Life."Earth, Wind & Fire being his favorite group and why the band's influence can be heard throughout his new album.Working with vocalists Chantel Hampton and Janice Dempsey on new release.Being part of Lalah Hathaway's band while students at prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.Touring with Freddie Jackson for 9 years, with 4 as his musical director.Going solo and releasing his first album in 2001.His love for hometown Chicago.For more on Andre Ward, check out his Instagram @andrewardmusic.

    MUSIC:
    All music is from Andre Ward's album, "Africa Rising."

    About Underground Magnolia Podcast:
    Desiréia Valteau is the creator, producer, writer, and host of all content.

    Editor:  https://ypeditor.com/

    CONTACT:
    Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)
    Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)
    Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast
    (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/)

    Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.

    To be featured on the podcast, send an email.

    © 2023 Underground Magnolia, LLC


    Support the Show.

    • 19 min
    Lenny Green Reigns on 'Quiet Storm' Radio

    Lenny Green Reigns on 'Quiet Storm' Radio

    This episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast features Lenny Green, the host of the popular syndicated radio show, “The Quiet Storm with Lenny Green.”

    Listen in to hear Lenny discuss the following:
    Meaning of "Quiet Storm" Artists he spins during showGenre being more than just celebrating romantic love Recognizing "Quiet Storm" radio stars of the pastRecording show at homebase station, WBLS in New YorkHistory of navigating radio and becoming successful Staying  power of "Quiet Storm" radio formatKool and the Gang's "Summer Madness" as favorite songMother as biggest inspirationFor more on Lenny, check out his Instagram @lennygreenofficial.

    MUSIC:
    Theme: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg
    Music For Your Soul by Maysa
    Kiss of Life by Andre Ward
    Sunset Drive by Tokyo Music Walker
    Chillin Out by Barradeen
    Day Ahead by Joe Crotty
    Vintage Memories by Schematist

    CONTACT:
    Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)
    Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)
    Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast
    (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/)
     
    Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.
     
    To be featured on the podcast, send an email.
    Support the Show.

    • 27 min
    UNCF Still Carries a Torch for Black Student Excellence

    UNCF Still Carries a Torch for Black Student Excellence

    Taliah Givens, Senior Director of the United Negro College Fund's (UNCF) Student Professional Development Programs,  joins Underground Magnolia to tell listeners all about the organization's: 
    Invitational Student Leadership ConferenceEntrepreneurial DivisionScholarships/InternshipsCareer Fairs80-year history of providing college scholarships and additional resourcesHBCUs and other institutions they representVice President Kamala Harris's huge impact on donation uptickImportance of still supporting the organization For more information on what UNCF offers, go to https://opportunities.uncf.org. For general information, go to https://uncf.org.
    MUSIC:
    Theme: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg
    Come Along by Jay Someday
    Coffee Shop by PYC Music
    Miyazaki’s House by Schematist
    Vlog Chill Electronic | EDGE by Alex-Productions
     
    CONTACT:
    Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)
    Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)
    Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast
    (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/)
     
    Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.
     
    To be featured on the podcast, send an email.
    Support the Show.

    • 24 min
    A Healthy Mind Equals An All-Around Better Life

    A Healthy Mind Equals An All-Around Better Life

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month and on this episode of Underground Magnolia Podcast, Tyra Valteau Sorapuru, a Mental Wellness Coach and Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 30 years, joins in to discuss effective tools for all around healthy living.  

    We discuss the following: 
    Balancing your feelings COVID-19 forcing African Africans and other People of Color to seek helpHelping  family and friends who need mental assistanceTips on what to look for in a therapist and/or psychiatristGoing beyond virtual only therapy How emotional health affects physical healthSetting boundaries and saying NO Links and additional information for mental health support:
    National Alliance on Mental Illness -  https://www.nami.org/Home Therapy for Black Girls - therapyforblackgirls.com Therapy for Latinx -  therapyforlatinx.comTherapy for Black Men - therapyforblackmen.orgPsychology Today - psychologytoday.com - lets you search by race, ethnicity, gender, and other parameters.Check with your local and state government Check with your your health insuranceConfirm therapists/psychiatrists licenses in the state you reside inMUSIC:
    Theme: Jazz Addict’s Intro by Cosimo Fogg
    Sunset Drive by Tokyo Music Walker 
    Echoes Of The Soul by Ron Gelinas Chill Beats 
    Pursuit by Ron Gelinas Chill Beats 
    Merry Bay by Ghostrifter Official 
    Made Of Wood by Joe Crotty 
    Coffee Shop by PYC Music 
     CONTACT:
    Underground Magnolia website: (https://www.undergroundmagnolia.com/)
    Instagram: @UMPodcastDV (https://www.instagram.com/umpodcastdv/)
    Twitter: @undergroundmagnoliapodcast
    (https://www.instagram.com/undergroundmagnoliapodcast/)
     
    Send questions/comments and requests to contact@undergroundmagnolia.com.
     
    To be featured on the podcast, send an email.
    Support the Show.

    • 25 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
10 Ratings

10 Ratings

Successlad ,

Great podcast

I have listened all the episodes. This is very amazing to listen. Highly recommended!

Shirt-r ,

Chasing DNA and Family Roots - Part Two

This was a great episode.
Sometimes you don’t know where to start.
She spoke of her experience in such a way, I could imagine walking along with her!
She gave examples of questions to ask living relatives and mentioned some of the agencies that could assist in finding information on relatives that have passed.
What an inspiring Journey! Now I know where to start.

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