The NW Facts Newspaper - NWFacts.com

When Diversity Matters Most. The Strength Lies In Differences, Not In Similarities

You are here: Home / Archives for Entertainment / Arts

Arts in Parks provides free events, public art installations, and art series at parks around Seattle this summer!

by Leave a Comment

The 2019 Arts in Parks brochure has arrived! Download it here: http://ow.ly/yxBR50uK4Fg

The Arts in Parks program supports new and established community festivals, art happenings and music concerts that enliven Seattle parks by promoting arts and culture, celebrating diversity, building community connections and energizing parks while connecting with underserved communities. Arts in Parks is an initiative of Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Office of Arts & Culture. All events are free and open to the public. Learn more here.

“The Arts in Parks program brings our parks to life with an array of local art pieces, performances and cultural events that celebrate Seattle’s diverse communities,” said Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent, Seattle Parks and Recreation. “This program is presented in partnership with the Office of Arts & Culture and is a wonderful example of how we collaborate to bring new and innovative opportunities to serve all Seattle residents. Arts in Parks activities are free and open to all, and offer a fun and unique way to explore the city’s parks. I hope everyone has the chance to get out this summer and experience this program and the incredible art and beautiful open spaces our city has to offer!”.

 

7th and Jackson The vibrant, multicultural history of Seattle’s International District comes alive in Sara Porkalob’s latest work at Nordo’s Culinarium

by Leave a Comment

Café Nordo Presents
A WORLD PREMIERE PLAY WITH FOOD AND MUSIC
7th and Jackson
The vibrant, multicultural history of Seattle’s International District comes alive in Sara Porkalob’s latest work at Nordo’s Culinarium
July 19 – August 11, 2019 – Tickets on sale now
Café Nordo is proud to present the world premiere of 7th and Jacksoncreated by award-winning theatrical creator Sara Porkalob (The Dragon Cycle). Set in the early 1960s, it’s an intimate experience that transports audiences to Seattle’s vibrant and multicultural International District and, true to Café Nordo’s signature format, blends authentic jazz, ethinc cuisine and unforgettable history for a full-sensory experience like no other. 7th and Jackson runs July 19 – August 11, 2019 at Café Nordo’s Culinarium and tickets are on sale now.
“I wanted to write a play about Seattle’s International District in the 1940’s because most of the stories I heard, read, and seen about that time period focused specifically on the Japanese community in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor,” said creator Sara Porkalob. “And, I wanted to dive deeper into what life was like for the other ethnic enclaves of the period.”
7th and Jackson follows three best friends with big dreams of owning their own jazz club. As the 1961 grand opening of the club 7th and Jackson progresses, the childhood history of Lee, Min and Ada is revealed. Despite the bombing of Pearl Harbor, WWII and rising tensions in their neighborhood, these young women remain determined in their pursuit of the American Dream.
“The beating heart of my play is the friendship between three young women: one of them Black woman, one of them Filipina, and the other Korean. These diverse friendships existed during this time period and I want to shine a light on their rich existence.” Porkalob continues. “This era was a tumultuous time in American history and it’s important that I contribute to our historical narrative from the perspective of women and people of color. So much and so little has cahnged in our American Landscape since then.”
THE FOOD: Heavily influenced by true stories of Seattle’s 7th Avenue and the International District food scene of the early 60s, this 4-course menu, which is included in the ticket price, explores cultural diaspora from street food to family meals. Inspired and informed by the cuisines native to and emergent from Seattle’s historic communities of color, including International District/Chinatown and the Central District, the menu pays homage to this cuisine history in Nordo’s signature style of interactive plating.”
THE MUSIC: With Musical Direction by Andrew Pang, 7th and Jackson treats our guests to live renditions of soulful era classics including memorable songs from The Andrews Sisters, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald.
THEATRICAL CREDITS
Director and Playwright: Sara Porkalob
Executive Chef: Erin Brindley
Menu Design: Christian Rosso
Musical Director: Andrew Pang
Actors: Corinne Magin, Anasofia Gallegos, Aaron Jin, Sarah Russell, Van Lang Pham
Set Design: Lex Marcos
Sound Design: Evan Mosher
Costume Design: Katrina Hess
Properties: Robin Macartney
Lighting Design: Emily Leong

Festival Sundiata Black Arts Fest

by Leave a Comment

The board of Festival Sundial would like to invite you to join with us in supporting Festival Sundiata presents “Black Arts Fest ′: This will be a wonderful family event held at Seattle Center . The festival celebrates the arts and educates the community about people of African descent who form a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. The festival will encompass, music, spoken word, food, vendors, information, employment opportunities an incredible art exhibition and sale, drill team exhibition, and much, much, more. Millions of people have been touched by the Festival Sundiata experience and come back annually. The free programs will be even more entertaining, with great production value and classic performances. Most importantly, Festival Sundiata creates an opportunity to bring families and diverse communities together in unprecedented ways.

Ultimate Art Experience at Festival Sundiata

The Ultimate Art Experience is a glimpse into the talent, imagination, experiences and artistic world of African American artists. This is an opportunity for our visitors to experience these creations up close and personal. Friday night during the weekend of Festival Sundiata Black Arts Fest there will be a reception where the opportunity to meet the artists and hear their stories will be afforded to all. Festival Sundiata has a tradition of presenting breathtaking art and this year will be no different as we carry-on the tradition. One of the advantages of Festival Sundiata’s Ultimate Art Experience is the art will be available for purchase. There are many components to Festival Sundiata and the campus of Seattle Center spans many acres, however the Ultimate Art Experience is a not to be missed component, make sure you take in the Ultimate Art Experience. Our Art Curator is Ms. Kimberly Ann Phillips

Full Company Announced in West Coast Premiere of Seattle Rep’s NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN

by Leave a Comment

Full Company Announced in West Coast Premiere of Seattle Rep’s
NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN
by Christina Ham
directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton
west coast premiere
“Simmering and imperious” –The Washington Post
 Seattle Rep today announced the complete casting for its highly anticipated west coast premiere production of Christina Ham’s Nina Simone: Four Women, a celebration of the life and journey of one of America’s most iconic singers and civil rights activists. When “The High Priestess of Soul” Nina Simone heard about the tragic bombing deaths of four young girls in an Alabama church in 1963, the songstress turned to her music as a means of expressing the country’s agony. In Nina Simone: Four Women, Ham uses Simone’s “Four Women” as the framework to explore Simone’s shift from artist to artist-activist through storytelling, debate, and music, immersing audiences in the complex harmony of protest. Nina Simone: Four Women is directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton and runs April 26 – June 2, 2019 (opening night is May 1) on the Bagley Wright stage. Single tickets are on sale now (starting at $17) and are available through the Seattle Rep Box Office at 206.443.2222 or online at SeattleRep.org.
Seattle-based theatre artist, filmmaker, and musician Shontina Vernon (ACT Theatre; Intiman Theatre) joins the cast in the title role of Nina Simone alongside Gregory and Footlight Award-winner Shaunyce Omaaar (The 5th Avenue Theatre, Village Theatre) as Sarah, Britney Simpson (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival; Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Cincinnati Playhouse) as Sephronia, and Porscha Shaw (Seattle Shakespeare Company) as Sweet Thing.
“It is a joy to be in the room with these artists,” director Valerie Curtis-Newton states. “We are all experiencing in its making exactly what we hope the audience will experience in viewing it – the discovery and celebration of the complexity and beauty of black women in the world. It is also a play about healing. Healing in order to join together to make a difference to confront the hostile world we face every day. It is a call to recognize those who came before us and to honor them by taking action.”
The creative team for Nina Simone: Four Women includes Jennifer Zeyl (Scenic Designer), Stephen Michael Newby (Music Director/Composer) L.B. Morse (Projection Designer), Matt Starritt (Sound Designer), Melanie Burgess (Costume Designer), and Dani Tirrell (Choreographer).
                                                           
ABOUT CHRISTINA HAM (PLAYWRIGHT)
Christina Ham was named one of “The Top 20 Most-Produced Playwrights of the 2018-19 Season” by American Theatre magazine. She is a two-time recipient of a McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting and a Jerome Fellowship from the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis, She has received commissions from The Guthrie Theater, Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Kennedy Center, among many others. Her plays are published by Dramatic Publishing, PlayScripts, Inc., and Oberon Books. A graduate of the University of Southern California with a M.F.A. in Playwriting from The UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, she is a member of The Kilroys, an advocacy group fighting for gender balance on the American stage. She is currently a Playwright-in-Residence at Pillsbury House Theatre and writes on the new Amazon horror anthology series Them: Covenant. www.christinaham.com
ABOUT VALERIE CURTIS-NEWTON (DIRECTOR)
Currently the Head of Performance – Directing at the University of Washington School of Drama, Valerie also serves as the Founding Artistic Director for The Hansberry Project, a professional African American theatre lab. She has worked with theatre’s across the country including: The Guthrie Theatre, Playmakers Repertory Comany, Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, The Mark Taper Forum, New York Theatre Workshop, Tacoma Actors’ Guild, Southern Repertory Theatre, Capitol Repertory Theatre among others.
Awards:  2016: Seattle Times Footlight Award (Best in Show) 2014: Stranger Genius Awards in Performance and the Crosscut Courage Award for Culture; 2012: Gypsy Award for Excellence in Direction 2001: Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation’s (SDCF) Gielgud Directing Fellowship 1997-1999: NEA/TCG Career Development Fellowship  for Directors.                                                                                                        
April 26 – June 2, 2019
Performance times: Tuesday-Sunday 
Select Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday matinees at 2:00 p.m. and evening performances at 7:30 p.m. (no matinees during previews)
Opening Night: Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Seattle Repertory Theatre’s Bagley Wright Theatre, located at Seattle Center at the corner of Second Ave. and Mercer St., Seattle, Washington
 
Start at $17 – ON SALE NOW
Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ may be purchased by calling 206.443.2224. 
For ticket reservations, call the Seattle Repertory Theatre Box Office at 206.443.2222 or toll-free at 877.900.9285, or go online at seattlerep.org 
SeattleRep.org
Facebook – /SeattleRep
Instagram – @SeattleRep
Twitter – @SeattleRep
#SeattleRep #NinaSimoneFourWomen
About Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle Rep was founded in 1963 and is currently led by Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Managing Director Jeffrey Herrmann. One of America’s premier not-for-profit resident theatres, Seattle Repertory Theatre has achieved international renown for its consistently high production and artistic standards, and was awarded the 1990 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. With an emphasis on entertaining plays of true dramatic and literary worth, Seattle Rep produces a season of plays along with educational programs, new play workshops, and special presentations.
Producing Sponsors for Nina Simone: Four Women are the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nesholm Family Foundation, The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, Matthew Bergman & Kimberly Burnett, Leslie & Dale Chihuly, Joan Cremin, Maryanne Tagney & David Jones, and Alida and Christopher Latham. The Producing Associate for the production is Clark Nuber. Seattle Repertory Theatre’s 2018/2019 Season is sponsored in part by ArtsFund.

April is Play Time at Seattle Center, Where No Two Visits are Alike

by Leave a Comment

April is play month at Seattle Center, with a fun and lively line-up of child-friendly activities to take families through the traditional spring break period and beyond.

The campus is abuzz with youthful goings-on at destinations like Artists at Play, International Fountain, Space Needle and Pottery Northwest featuring Student Show & Sale, April 5-26. International Children’s Friendship Festival, April 6-7, highlights the coming weekend and Movin’ Around the World: Spring the coming week, April 6-12. World Rhythm Festival fills several campus venues Saturday, April 20, and Seattle Center Festál: Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival returns April 26-28 to Fisher Pavilion and Armory.

Here are some additional opportunities to explore fun, family-oriented activities at Seattle Center this month:

Take time over the spring break to discover innovations and inventions that help create a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life, immerse yourself in debates about education, health and poverty and take action on a cause you care about at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discover Center. The Center commemorates the 19th Annual Pacific Islander heritage month in Washington State, 4 p.m., Saturday, April 20, with an elders’ welcome and blessing and a sacred tuba ceremony. The event offers Pacific Islander music and spoken word and traditional foods. Free and open to the public with RSVP.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., presents several current and traveling exhibits for music, popular culture and science fiction enthusiasts of all ages. MoPOP holds its annual Spring Scout Day, Saturday, April 27, when visitors are encouraged to bring their troop, family and friends for an activity and leave with a fun patch (while supplies last). For more information, call 206-262-3420.

Pacific Science Center offers daily exhibits and activities in its many galleries and theaters. PSC’s Laser Dome offers a packed roster of shows that feature stunning laser imagery and powerful sound. Visitors may also blast-off to the outer reaches of the universe, explore the planets in our own solar system or learn about recent discoveries in the Willard Smith Planetarium. Or learn the latest on efforts to eradicate malaria in Uganda, while lifting communities out of poverty at Eradicating Malaria: The Big Fight Against Little Mosquitos, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday, April 9.

Kids can explore where food comes from and how it tastes, mix ingredients and create exothermic reactions and small explosions at Seattle Children’s Museum’s spring camp, Eat. Play. Learn! A special Earth Day Celebration, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, April 21,allows participants to explore what it means to use “clean energy,” with readings by local artist and author, Casey Ailes, and recycled super heroes. Discovery Days Camps are designed to meet a child’s varied needs, in half or full-day and even full week increments. Each camp day has a theme, along with science, art and cultural programming and activities for ages 4 to 10. 

Seattle Children’s Theatre presents Balloonacy, a wordless, situational comedy, in which The Old Man, who lives alone, prepares to celebrate his birthday. To his surprise, the solitary festivities are interrupted when a playful Red Balloon floats into his apartment, shaking up his normal routine, through May 5 in Eve Alvord Theatre, and The Diary of Anne Frank, a sobering true story of eight people living in hiding in Nazi occupied Holland during World War II, as seen through the eyes of 13-year-old Anne Frank, through May 19 in Charlotte Martin Theatre.

For more information on events and activities throughout the year at Seattle Center, visit: www.seattlecenter.org or call 206-684-7200.

SEATTLE’S YOUTH POET LAUREATE AZURA TYABJI IS ANNOUNCED AS A REGIONAL FINALIST FOR NATIONAL YOUTH POET LAUREATE.  The announcement of the 2019 National Youth Poet Laureate will take place on Thursday, April 4, 2019. 

by Leave a Comment

Seattle Arts & Lectures is delighted to announce that Azura Tyabji has been invited to perform at the third annual National Youth Poet Laureate Commencement on April 4, 2019 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The event celebrates the five Regional Finalists, of which Azura is one, and announces the new 2019 National Youth Poet Laureate.

Born and raised in Seattle, Azura Mizan Tyabji is serving as Seattle’s 2018/19 Youth Poet Laureate. As a writer, spoken word performer, facilitator, and educator, what motivates every aspect of her artistic practice is a love for community, justice, and healing. If her words leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, or thinking deeper, she has achieved her goal as a poet. She hopes to continue challenging and expanding her craft and giving back to the city that inspires her. She is 18 years old and a graduate from Nova High School. Azura’s first book of poetry will be published this May with Poetry NW Editions. The book will debut at Northwest Folklife at a celebration which will also crown next year’s Youth Poet Laureate.

Azura is averrable for interviews. Please contact SAL with requests.

About the YPL Program: A joint program between WITS and Urban Word NYC—with support from Northwest Folklife, Poetry Northwest, and the Academy of American Poets—the Seattle Youth Poet Laureate Program aims to identify youth writers and leaders who are committed to civic and community engagement, poetry and performance, human relations, diversity, and education across Seattle. SAL, WITS, and our other partners recognize that youth voices and community engagement are vital for empowering young people to effect positive changes in their communities and beyond.

About Seattle Arts & Lectures: Founded in 1987, Seattle Arts & Lectures champions the literary arts by engaging and inspiring readers and writers of all generations in the Puget Sound region. SAL’s programs include the Literary Arts Series, Poetry Series, Women You Need to Know (WYNK), Journalism Series, SAL Presents, Hinge, Local Voices, Summer Book Bingo, the Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) program, and Writers in the Schools (WITS). For more information about SAL, visit lectures.org.

If you haven’t yet, for Women’s History Month please order one (two or three) of these eBooks written by and about Black Women

by Leave a Comment

If you haven’t yet, for Women’s History Month please order one (two or three) of these eBooks written by and about Black Women:  Two books about pioneering Black women; “Fanny Marion Jackson Coppin: First Black Female Principal,” amazon.com/dp/B06XDJ9FKN  (available on Over Drive) and “Ms. Forten of Philadelphia,” amazon.com/dp/B01N22E6JC. Both books are free with Amazon Prime.
Short, sweet, and only 99 ȼ.  Five stars on Amazon.com ! “Hell Hath No Fury.” amazon.com/dp/B0734J5N5G.
THE DOWN LOW ON THE LOCK UP!!!! “ABCs of the BOP;” Re-released, updated, new and improved, ready for primetime paperback, amazon.com/dp/1548538515 or eBook, amazon.com/dp/B077Y5Z6SC  Get your copy now. Give a copy to someone else to read. Recommended reading for anyone pursuing a career in criminal justice; anyone who has an incarcerated friend or relative; anyone who believes it is time for criminal justice reform; and anyone who just wants to know what the heck goes on in women’s prisons.
Thank you in advance for ordering my books.
L.A. Johnson of Aberdeen, WA
About Author:
L.A. Johnson of Aberdeen, WA  first book, “The ABCs of the BOP,” I’ve adopted the pen name L.A. Johnson. After reviewing my book, my granddaughter referred to me as “Piper.” That made me feel real good.

I earned an A.A. from Fresno City College, a B.A. from Fresno State and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Purdue University. I retired from the Los Angeles School District with 26 years of teaching service credit.

From my humble beginnings in Hamlin, Texas to my current home in Aberdeen, Washington, I’ve journeyed far; that is meant in both the literal as well as the metaphorical sense.

I am one of the many who was wrongfully investigated, convicted, and incarcerated for crimes that I did not commit. As of today, I am still fighting to have my conviction overturned. I have faith that one day I will succeed.

Nelson Mandela said “After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one’s person.”

I have found that to be quite true. Other books that I have written are:

Fanny Marion Jackson Coppin: First Black Female Principal

Miss Forten of Philadelphia

TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE’S ‘OFF THE SHELF’ PRESENTS THE REVOLUTIONISTS

by Leave a Comment

TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE’S ‘OFF THE SHELF’ PRESENTS THE REVOLUTIONISTS

Tacoma Little Theatre’s Off the Shelf program is excited to present Lauren Gunderson’s, The Revolutionists, directed by Jennifer York and featuring a powerhouse of Tacoma actors.  This production will play Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7:30pm.

Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.

 The Revolutionists features the talents of: Angela Parisotto as Olympe de Gouges, Kristen Natalia as Marianne Angelle, Cassie Jo Fastabend as Charlotte Corday, and Deya Ozburn as Marie Antoinette.

Tickets for the March 14, 2019 performance at 7:30pm are $10.00 for non TLT Members, and FREE for those who are members. Tickets may be purchased online at www.tacomalittletheatre.com, or by calling our Box Office at (253) 272-2281. 

TLT’s OFF THE SHELF

We know that there is a tremendous amount of wonderful theatre that deserves to be heard but sometimes just doesn’t get an opportunity. With “Off the Shelf”, local directors and actors will be bringing some scripts to life that we hope you will find entertaining, challenging and educational to our stage. We hope that you’ll sit back and enjoy an evening of theatre. You never know, you might see one of these shows on our mainstage in the future.

Join us for a special March Gallery Hours event to kick off our 2019 Student Ambassador Program!

by Leave a Comment

This summer two Hilltop Artist students (Ellye and MiShawn) will travel to Biot, France for 3 weeks to study with master glassblower Antoine Pierini. In return, we will host a glassblowing student from Biot during our
Summer Glass Arts Program.
To inspire our community to support our Student Ambassador program,
our gallery will be open on
Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Hilltop students have made special Biot floats, which will be for sale and are specifically made to help fund the Biot students’ travels. All proceeds from the sale of the floats will be dedicated to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We will also have some French-themed treats (charcuterie anyone?), a french conversation section, and live demos by students in the hot shop
For added excitement, we will have a French themed door prize, a Gift Certificate to Savor Creperie on Pacific Ave in Tacoma.

Meet Ellye

Since she started at Hilltop Artists over five years ago, Ellye says glassblowing has taught her about herself by encouraging self-reflection, while also strengthening how she connects with others. She appreciates the lifelong friendships she has forged at Hilltop Artists through collaboration and teamwork. She is looking forward to learning more about coldworking from Antoine Pierini and getting immersed in French culture

Meet MiShawn

When MiShawn talks about Hilltop Artists, the deep sense of joy it brings him is readily apparent. Since joining Hilltop Artists in middle school, MiShawn has embraced every opportunity provided to him with relentless enthusiasm. Kind and caring, MiShawn is not only passionate about glassblowing, but also the community he has found through Hilltop Artists. He looks forward to absorbing new techniques while working with Antoine in France and incorporating them into his body of work. Watch MiShawn’s speech at our 2016 Better Futures Luncheon to learn more of his story.

Buy Tickets NOW For Charlie Wilson At Puyallup Fairgrounds.

by Leave a Comment

Saturday, Sept. 21 7:30 pm Doors open at 6:00 pm

Online Only Presale

Pre-sale starts Wednesday, March 6 at 10 am and ends Saturday, March 9 at 10 am.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, March 9 at 10 am.

To get the pre-sale password, subscribe to the Fair’s E-Club and select Concerts as one of your interests. You’ll automatically receive an email with the password the morning of the pre-sale.

Tickets

Reserved Concert Seating – $40 – $65*
Concert tickets include Washington State Fair gate admission, a $14 value.
Ticket required for children 2 years of age and older.

*Online orders subject to standard fees. A $4.50 service fee will be added to each ticket purchased in person at the Box Office.

http://www.thefair.com/fun/details/charlie-wilson-2019

 

About the Artist

Some people might say that after notching ten No. 1 singles, 13 Grammy Award nominations, a New York Times best-selling memoir and ongoing sold-out, coast-to-coast arena tours, Charlie Wilson has proven his point….and he isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon.

Wilson’s latest album, In It to Win It (P Music Group/RCA, Feb. 17 2017), includes a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track “Made For Love,” his enchanting duet with Lalah Hathaway. In 2018 Charlie was also nominated for three 2018 NAACP Image Awards, Outstanding Male Artist, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration and Outstanding Album.

The set boasts two number one singles which hit two different Billboard charts in April, 2018. “Chills” was #1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart and “I’m Blessed” ft. T.I. was #1 on the Hot Gospel Songs (and stayed in the top 5 for 65 weeks). This is the first time an artist has had two different #1 songs on these charts at the same time. “I’m Blessed” was also nominated for a 2018 Billboard Top Gospel song.