Once More for the People in the Back (w/Dr. Nkeiru Okoye)

Hello, dear Scorekeepers! And welcome to a jam-packed ninth episode of The Score. On today's episode, we voyage all the way to the stars and back with a quick chat about Rocky's recent reading with acclaimed Black astrologer Mecca Woods, followed by a dip into MN Opera's newly announced 2021-22 Season, and a conversation about our conflicted feelings around the well-intentioned acronym BIPOC. Then sit back, relax and enjoy a super-sized and super soul-cleansing interview with our guest, composer and recent Guggenheim Fellow Dr. Nkeiru Okoye. We're honored to have Dr. Okoye with us to share a bit about her creative process, what she believes institutions need to change in order help attract audiences and artists of color, and she gives us a little sneak peek at some of her upcoming work. And of course, we'd never leave you without a PB&J. This week, we're sending some love to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, rising political superstars India Walton and Chris Jones, and the luminous Angela Bassett. Let's do it to it, y'all!Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige ReynoldsGuest: Dr. Nkeiru OkoyeProducer: Rocky JonesTimestampsAstrology and the new MN Opera Season - 0:53Unpacking BIPOC - 14:35In Conversation with Dr. Nkeiru Okoye - 43:29PB&J - 1:30:48LinksMN Opera's 2021-22 Season (Learn More)"'BIPOC' Isn't Doing What You Think It's Doing | Opinion" (Newsweek)Dr. Nkeiru Okoye (Website)Mecca Woods - My Life Created (Website)"Katori Hall Wins Drama Pulitzer for ‘The Hot Wing King’" (NY Times)India Walton for Buffalo (Learn More)Chris Jones for Governor (Learn More)If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to [email protected]