Company News Archives | SESAC https://www.sesac.com/category/company-news/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:29:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 2025 SESAC LA Music Awards https://www.sesac.com/2025-sesac-la-music-awards/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.sesac.com/?p=2931 Songwriter of the Year Ariana Grande Publisher of the Year Universal Music Publishing Group Song of the Year “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”Written by: Ariana GrandePublished by: Universal Music Publishing GroupPerformed by: Ariana Grande Producer of the Year The Legendary TraxsterDez Wright  SESAC PERFORMANCE AWARDS PROMOTION SESAC Honoree: The Legendary Traxster Published […]

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Songwriter of the Year

Ariana Grande

Publisher of the Year

Universal Music Publishing Group

Song of the Year

“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”
Written by: Ariana Grande
Published by: Universal Music Publishing Group
Performed by: Ariana Grande

Producer of the Year

The Legendary Traxster
Dez Wright 

SESAC PERFORMANCE AWARDS


PROMOTION

SESAC Honoree: The Legendary Traxster

Published by: Mr. Lindley To You Music

Recorded by: ¥$: Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign ft. Future



II MOST WANTED

SESAC Honoree: Andrew DeRoberts

Published by: Concord Music Publishing

Recorded by: Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus



HELLO MISS JOHNSON

SESAC Honorees: Clay Harlow & Jack Harlow

Published by: Clayborn Enterprises LLC, Sony Music Publishing, Harlow Happenings

Recorded by: Jack Harlow



IN THE NIGHT

SESAC Honoree: Dahi

Published by: Dahi Productions, Sony Music Publishing

Recorded by: Childish Gambino ft. Jorja Smith & Amaarae



WE PRAY

SESAC Honoree: Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu

Published by: Universal Music Publishing Group

Recorded by: Coldplay ft. Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna & TINI



OCEAN

SESAC Honoree: Dez Wright

Published by: Dez Wright Beats, Concord Music Publishing,
ADNAM Publishing

Recorded by: Future



HEAVY IS THE CROWN

SESAC Honoree: Emily Armstrong

Published by: L A Rumours, Universal Music Publishing Group

Recorded by: Linkin Park



JUST US

SESAC Honoree: Jack Harlow

Published by: Sony Music Publishing, Harlow Happenings

Recorded by: Jack Harlow & Doja Cat



TURTLE RACE

SESAC Honoree: Felix (Flexondatrack) Govaerts

Published by: AYOFLEX Publishing

Recorded by: Rod Wave



MJ

SESAC Honoree: Dawoyne “2forwOyNE” Lawson

Published by: 2FORWOYNE, Sony Music Publishing

Recorded by: Future



I AM NOT OKAY

SESAC Honoree: Casey Brown

Published by: Track & Feels, Tape Room Tunes,
Warner Chappell Music

Recorded by: Jelly Roll



LOVE ME NOT

SESAC Honoree: Dahi

Published by: Dahi Productions, Sony Music Publishing

Recorded by: Ravyn Lenae



CHARGE DEM HOES A FEE

SESAC Honoree: Dez Wright

Published by: Dez Wright Beats, Concord Music Publishing,
ADNAM Publishing

Recorded by: Playboi Carter & Travis Scott



APPLY PRESSURE

SESAC Honorees: Felix (Flexondatrack) Govaerts

Published by: AYOFLEX Publishing

Recorded by: Rod Wave



THE EMPTINESS MACHINE

SESAC Honoree: Emily Armstrong

Published by: L A Rumours, Universal Music Publishing Group

Recorded by: Linkin Park



WE CAN’T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)

SESAC Honoree: Ariana Grande

Published by: Universal Music Publishing Group

Recorded by: Ariana Grande



THE BOY IS MINE

SESAC Honoree: Ariana Grande

Published by: Universal Music Publishing Group

Recorded by: Ariana Grande



CARNIVAL

SESAC Honoree: The Legendary Traxster

Published by: Mr Lindley To You Music

Recorded by: ¥$: Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign ft. Rich The Kid & Playboi Carti



NEW DROP

SESAC Honoree: Dez Wright

Published by: Dez Wright Beats, Concord Music Publishing,
ADNAM Publishing

Recorded by: Don Toliver



WACCED OUT MURALS

SESAC Honoree: Dahi

Published by: Dahi Productions, Sony Music Publishing

Recorded by: Kendrick Lamar



FIELD TRIP

SESAC Honorees: The Legendary Traxster,
Dez Wright

Published by: TMr Lindley To You Music, Dez Wright Beats, Concord Music Publishing, ADNAM Publishing

Recorded by: ¥$: Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign ft. Playboi Carti,
Kodak Black & Don Toliver



FALL FAST IN LOVE

SESAC Honoree: Felix (Flexondatrack) Govaerts

Published by: AYOFLEX Publishing

Recorded by: Rod Wave



BOBBY SOX

SESAC Honorees: Billie Joe Armstrong, Michael Ryan Pritchard, Frank E. Wright III

Published by: Green Daze Music, Warner Chappell Music

Recorded by: Green Day



NO ANGELS

SESAC Honoree: Fede Vindver

Published by: Fede Vindver Publishing, Warner Chappell Music

Recorded by: Justin Timberlake



DOPAMINE

SESAC Honoree: Sam Tinnesz

Published by: Only Ginger With A Soul Publishing, Position Music

Recorded by: Sum 41



ORLANDO IN LOVE

SESAC Honoree: Michelle Zauner

Published by: Japanese Breakfast, Secretly Publishing

Recorded by: Japanese Breakfast



IF IT DOESN’T HURT

SESAC Honorees: Mark Vollelunga,
Ben Anderson, Will Hoffman, Jonny Hawkins

Published by: Without Sleep, Flammatory, Too Many Names Music

Recorded by: Nothing More



ANGEL SONG

SESAC Honorees: Mark Vollelunga,
Ben Anderson, Jonny Hawkins

Published by: Without Sleep, Too Many Names Music

Recorded by: Nothing More


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Honoring the Legacy of John Sweeney https://www.sesac.com/honoring-the-legacy-of-john-sweeney/ https://www.sesac.com/honoring-the-legacy-of-john-sweeney/#respond Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:43:25 +0000 https://www.sesac.com/?p=2849 John was more than a respected music executive – he was a tireless advocate for songwriters, a trusted colleague, and a passionate fan of music in all its forms.

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John Sweeney passed away on June 11, 2025, surrounded by his family and closest friends.

John was more than a respected music executive – he was a tireless advocate for songwriters, a trusted colleague, and a passionate fan of music in all its forms. As Vice President, International at SESAC Performing Rights, he became a cornerstone of the UK music community, based in London but revered across continents.

Since joining SESAC in 2012, John helped build and support a remarkable group of creators, including Glass Animals, Mumford & Sons, Alt-J, Rex Orange County, DisclosureThin Lizzy, and many others. His work focused on songwriter and publisher relationships across the UK and much of the globe.

Before SESAC, he held leadership roles at PRS, including Director of Membership and board member. He also co-founded and chaired the PRS Foundation, helping shape it into one of the UK’s most important funders of new music and artist development.

Outside of work, John kept close to music through performance, most recently with his band, Dangerous Dog Act.

John left a mark on the lives of many. He will be missed deeply. To honor his memory, SESAC has created this playlist featuring the work of the songwriters he supported – a small way to celebrate a life lived in service of music.

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Honoring the Legacy of James Leach https://www.sesac.com/honoring-the-legacy-of-james-leach/ https://www.sesac.com/honoring-the-legacy-of-james-leach/#respond Fri, 18 Oct 2024 15:29:49 +0000 https://www.sesac.com/?p=2459 James Leach, a much-loved colleague and friend, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Emanating from his warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life, James will continue to shine light on those he knew. As the Vice President of Creative Services and West Coast Operations at SESAC Performing Rights, James was not just a leader […]

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James Leach, a much-loved colleague and friend, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Emanating from his warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life, James will continue to shine light on those he knew.

As the Vice President of Creative Services and West Coast Operations at SESAC Performing Rights, James was not just a leader for the Los Angeles-based Creative Services team but a constant wellspring of support and inspiration for SESAC-affiliated songwriters and publishers that he championed. In addition to his deep love of music and unwavering dedication to nurturing talent was his advocation of culture and DEI. He continuously promoted awareness and understanding. His ethos of service and making things better was the keystone of his work.

James joined SESAC in 2001. He founded the LA office while pioneering new strategies during the early years of the digital music era. Known for his strong advocacy for songwriters, James was proud to work alongside and support numerous talented affiliates, including Danja, Harvey Mason Jr., DJ Dahi, Ab-Soul, Gabe Roland, Jacob Luttrell, and the legendary George Clinton. He served as President of the California Copyright Conference,  the AIMP’s National Board of Directors, and the Living Legends Foundation Advisory Board.

Before his time at SESAC, James left his mark at Famous Music, where he signed hitmaker Akon and established his own consulting firm, Leach Entertainment. His work as a music supervisor and consultant, including collaborations on the urban TV series New York Undercover and Magic Johnson’s The Magic Hour, showcased his creative versatility and passion for elevating music in every form. Early in his career, he worked at Michael Jackson’s esteemed ATV Music Group, working with the catalogs of icons like The Beatles, Sly & The Family Stone, and Michael Jackson himself.

We at SESAC will miss him dearly.

James is survived by his mother Claudia Leach, his brothers, sisters as well as a large battalion of nieces and nephews, who affectionately refer to him as “Uncle Butch” and who will forever cherish his memory.

The family asks that donations be made to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, in honor of his lifelong dedication to supporting the arts.

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2024 SESAC Music Awards https://www.sesac.com/sesacmusicawards24/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:20:43 +0000 https://www.sesac.com/?p=2351 SESAC PERFORMANCE AWARDS SUPERHERO (HEROES & VILLAINS) SESAC Honoree: Alexis 8AE Boyd Publisher: You Know What The Fuck It Is Publishing, Every Days A Good Day At Arketek, UNRESTRICTED, Pulse Worldwide Recorded by: Metro Boomin, Future & Chris Brown GOOD GOOD SESAC Honorees: Melvin Hough II, Rivelino Wouter Publisher: Sony Music Publishing, Mama Bonnie Publishing, […]

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SESAC PERFORMANCE AWARDS


SUPERHERO (HEROES & VILLAINS)

SESAC Honoree: Alexis 8AE Boyd

Publisher: You Know What The Fuck It Is Publishing, Every Days A Good Day At Arketek, UNRESTRICTED, Pulse Worldwide

Recorded by: Metro Boomin, Future & Chris Brown



GOOD GOOD

SESAC Honorees: Melvin Hough II, Rivelino Wouter

Publisher: Sony Music Publishing, Mama Bonnie Publishing, Sranang Pokoe Publishing

Recorded by: Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage



MADE YOU LOOK

SESAC Honoree: Fede Vindver

Publisher: W C M Music Corp, Fede Vindver Publishing

Recorded by: Meghan Trainor



RICH BABY DADDY

SESAC Honorees: Tom Schaeferdiek, Mac Felländer-Tsai

Publisher: Universal Polygram International Tunes Inc

Recorded by: Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA



MADE FOR ME

SESAC Honoree: Bryan Michael Cox

Publisher: Songs For Idris LLC, BMG

Recorded by: Muni Long



YES, AND?

SESAC Honoree: Ariana Grande

Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group

Recorded by: Ariana Grande



SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD

SESAC Honorees: Traci Hale, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu

Publisher: Universal Tunes, Peertunes LTD, Hale Yeah

Recorded by: Burna Boy



WE CAN’T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)

SESAC Honoree: Ariana Grande

Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group

Recorded by: Ariana Grande



K-POP

SESAC Honoree: Bigram “DVLP” Zayas

Publisher: Concord Music Group, Pulse Worldwide, Triza Publishng

Recorded by: Travis Scott, Bad Bunny & The Weeknd



3D

SESAC Honoree: Jack Harlow

Publisher: Sony Music Publishing, Harlow Happenings

Recorded by: Jung Kook & Jack Harlow



USED

SESAC Honoree: Dacoury Dahi Natche

Publisher: Dahi Productions, Sony Music Publishing

Recorded by: SZA ft. Don Toliver



RAINDROPS (INSANE)

SESAC Honorees: David Ruoff, Elias Klughammer

Publisher: Universal Polygram International Tunes Inc

Recorded by: Metro Boomin & Travis Scott



NOT THE 1975

SESAC Honoree: Knox Morris

Publisher: Sony Timber Publishing, Rivers And Streams Publishing

Recorded by: Knox



THE AMERICAN DREAM IS KILLING ME

SESAC Honorees: Billie Joe Armstrong, Michael Ryan Pritchard, Frank E. Wright III

Publisher: W C M Music Corp, Green Daze Music

Recorded by: Green Day



WEST COAST WEEKEND

SESAC Honorees: Matthew “BLXST” Burdette, Keenon “YG” Jackson, Samuel “Swish” Ahana

Publisher: W C M Music Corp, 360 Music, Universal Tunes, EVGLE Pub Co, Rap Money, Superswish Music Publishing

Recorded by Tyga, YG & Blxst



LET ME GO

SESAC Honoree: Jimmy Napes

Publisher: Universal Tunes

Recorded by: Daniel Caesar



PRADA

SESAC Honoree: Jahmori De’Jon Simmons

Publisher: Kobalt Group Publishing

Recorded by casso, RAYE & D-Block Europe



MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE

SESAC Honoree: Donald L Holmes

Publisher: Off The Rack, Pacific Wind Music

Recorded by: Brent Faiyaz ft. Coco Jones



DILEMMA

SESAC Honoree: Billie Joe Armstrong, Michael Ryan Pritchard, Frank E. Wright III

Publisher: W C M Music Corp, Green Daze Music

Recorded by: Green Day



SPEND IT

SESAC Honoree: Matthew “BLXST” Burdette

Publisher: W C M Music Corp, EVGLE Pub Co

Recorded by Babyface Ray, Blxst & Nija



LOTTERY

SESAC Honoree: Lauren LaRue 

Publisher: Tru Music, Prescription Tracks, Songs That Go Boom 

Recorded by: Latto ft. LU KALA 


Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Affiliates R.E.M. Perform Live Together for First Time in 15 Years at Songwriter Hall of Fame Induction https://www.sesac.com/affiliates-r-e-m-perform-live-together-for-first-time-in-15-years-at-songwriter-hall-of-fame-induction/ https://www.sesac.com/affiliates-r-e-m-perform-live-together-for-first-time-in-15-years-at-songwriter-hall-of-fame-induction/#respond Fri, 14 Jun 2024 16:32:21 +0000 https://www.sesac.com/?p=2248 After stopping by our cocktail reception on Tuesday, June 11 to celebrate the band’s induction, all four members gather on stage for the first time in almost 16 years to perform “Losing My Religion” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event in New York City. The performance was preceded by Jason Isbell who performed the […]

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After stopping by our cocktail reception on Tuesday, June 11 to celebrate the band’s induction, all four members gather on stage for the first time in almost 16 years to perform “Losing My Religion” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event in New York City.

REM Celebrates at SESAC Cocktail Reception in NYC
Photo: David Scott Holloway

The performance was preceded by Jason Isbell who performed the iconic “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”. He said he learned when he was 10 years old. “R.E.M. was greater than the sum of its parts. R.E.M. moved like a single instrument,” he said.

Watch their performance and acceptance speech below:

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Lee Brice Celebrates Back-To-Back Hits at Double #1 Party https://www.sesac.com/lee-brice-celebrates-back-to-back-hits-at-double-1-party/ Thu, 20 Oct 2022 20:00:00 +0000 https://sesac.wpengine.com/?p=1088 Nashville, Tenn., October 20, 2022 – SESAC, BMI, ASCAP and a group of music industry publishers and friends came together at the SESAC office on Wednesday, October 19 to celebrate the success of Curb recording artist and SESAC songwriter Lee Brice’s latest back-to-back #1 hits, “One Of Them Girls” and “Memory I Don’t Mess With.”  […]

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Nashville, Tenn., October 20, 2022SESAC, BMI, ASCAP and a group of music industry publishers and friends came together at the SESAC office on Wednesday, October 19 to celebrate the success of Curb recording artist and SESAC songwriter Lee Brice’s latest back-to-back #1 hits, “One Of Them Girls” and “Memory I Don’t Mess With.” 

“One Of Them Girls,” written by Brice (SESAC), Ashley Gorley (ASCAP), Ben Johnson (BMI), and Dallas Davidson (BMI), hit number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in October 2020 and stayed atop the chart for three weeks. The song has been certified 3x Platinum and made history when it was awarded Song of the Year from SESAC, BMI, and ASCAP in 2021, marking the first time one song has won all three awards in a single year. “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” written by Brice, Billy Montana (BMI), and Brian Davis (BMI), became Brice’s ninth number one when it hit the top spot on the chart in October 2021 and was recently certified Platinum. Both songs were produced by Brice, Ben Glover, and Kyle Jacobs. 

On hand to honor the group were Shannan Hatch (SESAC), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Kele Currier (ASCAP), Colt Murski (Curb/Word Entertainment), Kelly Bolton (Tape Room Music), Bob Squance (Round Hill Music), and Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment).

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SESAC Supports Creators For Ukraine https://www.sesac.com/sesac-supports-creators-for-ukraine/ Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:26:00 +0000 https://sesac.wpengine.com/?p=322 SESAC and its employees support the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian creative community in their valiant struggle for freedom. As an initial token of our support, we’ve donated $100,000 to support Creators For Ukraine, a collective of CMOs, PROs and other organizations working together to provide financial support to Ukrainian creators, songwriters and composers during […]

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SESAC and its employees support the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian creative community in their valiant struggle for freedom. As an initial token of our support, we’ve donated $100,000 to support Creators For Ukraine, a collective of CMOs, PROs and other organizations working together to provide financial support to Ukrainian creators, songwriters and composers during this challenging time. 

We’re seeking ways to do more in coming weeks and want to inspire other companies and organizations in the creative community to do whatever they are able to support the Ukrainian creative community at this critical time.

To learn more about how to get involved visit www.creatorsforukraine.org.

Below is a letter sent from Milosz Bembinow of ZAIKS which details how the funds are being used and what is being done specifically to support the creators of Ukraine who have had to flee their homes.  There is also detailed information about what organizations can do to help.


Dear Colleagues,

Following numerous emails and calls exchanged internationally regarding the situation in Ukraine and discussions on how we can help our friends from Ukraine, we would like to inform you about the actions undertaken in Poland. They include the launch of aid funds, as well as resources provided by ZAiKS and CISAC. 

Since the terrible invasion of Ukraine initiated by Russia on 24 February, we have been in contact with our colleagues from sister societies NGO UACRR and CINEMA management, who are based in Kyiv. The goal was to hear about their most urgent needs and find solutions of providing immediate and long-term assistance for the creative community in need. 

So far, the Society of Authors ZAiKS has been hosting incoming refugees arriving from Ukraine in our Houses of Creative Work. With a focus on people transiting via the Warsaw area, we have been offering access to accommodation and food for free to war refugees, including creators and their families. The objective is to give a safe shelter and financial support for those who need it the most. 

At ZAiKS we launched a dedicated website www.zaiks.org.pl/ukraina to inform about our national project “ZAiKS for Ukraine” with funding for Ukrainian artists and creators across all genres. The Management Board of ZAiKS initially secured an amount of 1 000 000 PLN (220 000 EUR) for the fund. The idea is to transfer an allowance of 5 000 PLN (1100 EUR) per person for beneficiaries representing the creative and culture sectors (and their family members). We are also expecting to receive a public endorsement of the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland. If you are willing to support the cause via ZAiKS, please consider donating.

Together with CISAC, we launched an international fund and campaign “Creators for Ukraine”. Our goal is to operate international financial relief via the Society of Authors ZAiKS. Adding to the recent communications from ZAiKS and CISAC, and alongside other Central Eastern European CMO’s who are neighbours of Ukraine, we will make sure to distribute grants collected by CISAC directly to concerned refugees from the creative and culture sectors.

All information about “Creators for Ukraine” and initiatives like “Songs for Ukraine” as well as where you can donate can be found on the website: www.creatorsforukraine.org

As part of our campaign, we have also prepared a set of graphic materials which can be used in social media and printed out and displayed as a sign of support for our Ukrainian friends. 

One of the first organizations to donate to the Creators for Ukraine fund with a transfer received by ZAiKS was SESAC, for which we are very grateful.

We believe that together we shall overcome this most difficult time for our Ukrainian friends, also through international solidarity. 

Attached you’ll find graphic materials needed for the communication of our Creators for Ukraine fund. Feel free to use and reformat as you wish. Please use the tag #Creatorsforukraine and direct to the website: www.creatorsforukraine.org

With best regards,

Miłosz Bembinow
Vice President of the Board, ZAIKS

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Mira Nair Gets Rights Back For ‘Mississippi Masala’ https://www.sesac.com/mira-nair-gets-rights-back-for-mississippi-masala/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 16:04:00 +0000 https://sesac.wpengine.com/?p=350 Mira Nair Reacquires ‘Mississippi Masala’ and Will Screen Remastered Print for 30th Anniversary at NYFF Celebrated film director Mira Nair has reacquired the rights to her 1991 film Mississippi Masala and will be screening a remastered print at the New York Film Festival in honor of the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release. Nair is […]

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Mira Nair Reacquires ‘Mississippi Masala’ and Will Screen Remastered Print for 30th Anniversary at NYFF

Celebrated film director Mira Nair has reacquired the rights to her 1991 film Mississippi Masala and will be screening a remastered print at the New York Film Festival in honor of the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release. Nair is on a quest to make her films more available to a new generation.  Nair’s films include Salaam Bombay, The Namesake, Queen of Katwe, and many more. In addition, the stage adaption of her film Monsoon Wedding will premiere in India in November.

A predecessor of SESAC Music Group acquired the rights to Mississippi Masala following the original release of the film in 1991. In order that such a culturally important work could again be viewed by the public, SESAC has granted all rights in the film back to Nair for re-release. “We are honored to support Mira Nair in her efforts to bring Mississippi Masala to a wider audience on the 30th anniversary of its initial release. SESAC is proud to have played a small role in this mission,” says John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC Music Group.

The remastered version of the film, starring Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury, will premiere at New York Film Festival on Saturday, September 25, with a second screening on Wednesday, September 29. Tickets are available now at https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff59-ticket-information/

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Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month https://www.sesac.com/celebrating-asian-pacific-american-heritage-month/ Sat, 01 May 2021 16:08:00 +0000 https://sesac.wpengine.com/?p=359 May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Now more than ever, it is important to uplift and support the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Billboard put together a list […]

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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Now more than ever, it is important to uplift and support the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Billboard put together a list of how music business companies are honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. See the full list here.

You can also check out some music playlists highlighting artists from the Asian American music community here.

Here are just a few of many events around the country celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

Flushing Town Hall

Jihye Lee Quintet: Rest in the Arms of Motherlands

FRI, MAY 21, 7 PM ET

RSVP HERE

Composer/arranger Jihye Lee brings her first, all-female, Korean jazz quintet to Flushing Town Hall to perform an elegy for victims of anti-Asian hate crimes, including a special dedication to the women of the recent tragedy in Atlanta, GA.

Funds will be raised to support the Korean American Family Service Center’s Rainbow House Shelter.

LEARN MORE


MSG KITCHEN

MSG Presents: Feast of Resistance

A dinner series about the Asian American diaspora featuring key moments in Asian American history and hidden stories in American culture. Watch chef Sean Liu cook these dishes as he discusses the history of struggle and resistance they are rooted in.

Chicken Wings, Vincent Chin, 1982 Watch Now

Beet Salad, Oxnard Strike of 1903 Watch Now

Watch the upcoming livestreams here

May 23rd 6PM ET: Collard Greens, David Fagen 1899

May 30th 6PM ET: Black Bean Ribs, LA Riots 1991

Asia Society

For the whole month of May, Asia Society is putting together in-person and online programs to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. You can view their entire program here and view previous webcasts as well as upcoming events.

On-Demand Discussion: Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Asian Americans

An August 2020 report from McKinsey & Company examined the pandemic’s initial effects on Asians and Asian Americans. In conversation with the Kinder Institute for Urban Research founding director Dr. Stephen Klineberg, report co-authors Elaine Dang and Harrison Lung discussed what drove the study, key insights and findings, and their main takeaways on the topic, including the crucial need for disaggregated data.

Watch the webcast here

Monday Art Break: Filipinx Artists

New York-based artist Jeanne F. Jalandoni, Houston-based artist and community organizer Matt Manalo, and San Francisco-based artist Charlene Tan gathered to reflect on new perspectives and practices during lockdown in a conversation with curator Bridget Bray.

Watch the webcast here
 

PBS

PBS is featuring several documentaries highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander American experiences and histories. See their entire program here.

THE DONUT KING

May 24, 2021

Film by Alice Gu

An immigrant story with a (glazed) twist, The Donut King follows the journey of Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy, who arrived in California in the 1970s and, through a mixture of diligence and luck, built a multimillion dollar donut empire up and down the West Coast.

Learn more and watch the preview here
 

Seattle Center

Seattle Center Festál presents Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration in partnership with the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition (APDC). The festival marks the beginning of the officially proclaimed and recognized Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) of May in the Greater Seattle area. It aims to preserve and promote the culture, heritage, and contributions of Asian Pacific Islanders (API) and Asian Pacific Americans (APA).

Learn more and watch the festival here
 

National Day of Solidarity Against AAPI Hate

Monday, May 31, 2021

Let’s rise together against hate. Solidarity Against AAPI Hate (SAAH) is an initiative created in direct response to the Atlanta shootings and the rise in anti-Asian violence brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Find a rally in your area and join us in a national day of solidarity in cities across the country on May 31, 2021 4pm EST / 1pm PST.

www.solidarityagainstaapihate.org

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SESAC Celebrates Black History Month https://www.sesac.com/sesac-celebrates-black-history-month/ Mon, 01 Feb 2021 16:10:00 +0000 https://sesac.wpengine.com/?p=365 We’ve put together a list of some of the incredible free online programming happening throughout February in celebration of Black History Month.  Please share with friends and family and we hope you can tune in and connect!  February 4, 2021 10:00–10:30 AM CST Smithsonian Online: Black History Month American History Museum  Join the National Museum of American […]

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We’ve put together a list of some of the incredible free online programming happening throughout February in celebration of Black History Month.  Please share with friends and family and we hope you can tune in and connect! 

February 4, 2021 10:00–10:30 AM CST Smithsonian Online: Black History Month American History Museum 

Join the National Museum of American History for an online exploration into key social studies topics, featuring museum resources from the Smithsonian. This episode will focus on Black History Month. More info here.

February 4, 2021 7:00 PM CST Ladysmith Black Mambazo  
A Conversation with Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Your House,” Register for this free event here

February 6, 2021 12:00 PM CST  Virtual Panel Discussion:  Generations: Music and the Black Family 
This engaging panel discussion, based on the 2021 Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASLAH) theme of the Black family, delves into a focus of generations and how musical differences and similarities have helped unify or divide the Black American family.  The multi-generational panel includes a music historian, social scientist, and musician.  Produced by the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) and moderated by arts journalist Patrick D. McCoy.   

Register Here 

February 6, 2021 9:30PM CST Mandela: Let Freedom Reign’ 
The Marsh presents a one-man show on the life of South African President Nelson Mandela. Starring Darryl Van Leer, the production covers the early life of the activist and political legend leading up to his equal rights struggle against apartheid. It also is set to feature the actor delivering Mandela’s powerful “I Am Prepared to Die” statement, which he gave before being sentenced to life in prison. 

themarsh.org 

February 9, 2021 5:30PM CST Moving the Nashville Music Culture Forward Join Nashville Music Equality on February 9th for an in-depth discussion from board members of Nashville Music Equality on how they see the best way to move the Nashville Music Culture forward and how you can help create an anti- racist environment in Nashville. Hear from them on what they have learned in 2020 and what they are working on for 2021 and beyond. 
          Link: Register Here 

February 16, 2021 6:00PM Museum of African Diaspora’s Blatant Series: Art, Joy and Rage 
February’s episode of the museum’s monthly series is set to feature award- winning documentary filmmaker Yoruba Richen and Maori Holmes, artistic director/BlackStar Film Festival CEO and Curator-at-Large for film at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Prior episodes, as well as archived video materials are available to view on their Facebook page. 

Free, donations encouraged. 415-358-7200. bit.ly/3qJohv4 

February 17, 2021 12:00 AM CST SMA Stax Music Academy invites you to the 2021 Black History Month presentation, Rhythm and Revolution: Expressions of Struggle, Collaboration and Peace!  
For more than 20 years, the Stax Music Academy has been wowing audiences around the world with performances in places like Australia, Italy, France, England, Germany, New York’s Lincoln Center, and Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center and Smithsonian Institute festivals. It has also for many years presented Memphis, Tennessee’s premier Black History Month performance to sold-out crowds. Now, in February 2021, because of COVID-relates safety precautions and because people from all walks of life are yearning for access to the arts during pandemic restrictions, this year’s concert will be virtual and free to all students. Your students are invited to participate. 

R & R: Rhythm and Revolution: Expressions of Struggle, Collaboration, and Peace will feature the music of soul greats from Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples to Al Green, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and the legendary artists of Stax.  

Records. Mixed with jazz, spoken word, and original music from SMA’s talented students, viewers will not only feel the beat, but will also learn about history makers such as Ida B Wells, Robert Church, and Langston Hughes and their lessons that are as relevant today as they were in the past. 

Register Here on Eventbrite 

February 20, 2021 8:00 PM CST A Musical Revue Celebrating Black History Month 2021.    
Hosted by: Terrance Kelly with guests artists Jovan Watkins, Ms. Jackie Tolbert, and Vancouver-based choir Universal Gospel Choir.  The event is free but donations are much appreciated. 

http://www.oigc.org/live 

February 21, 2021 7:00PM CST MoAD’s African Diaspora Film Club: ‘How it Feels to Be Free’ 
Join the museum’s monthly film club series, with conversation to be moderated by Cornelius Moore, co-director of California Newsreel and film curator at MoAD. This month’s event is set to feature filmmaker Yoruba Richen. Patrons are encouraged to watch the featured 2020 documentary film, “How it Feels to Be Free,” about trailblazing black female entertainers Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Diahann Carroll, Nina Simone, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier in advance of the event, available to stream for free at the PBS “American Masters” website

Donations encouraged. 415-358-7200. bit.ly/39hPjnr 

February 25, 2021 7:00PM CST Black History Month Virtual Concert: Preserving and Persevering Recognizing that one of the most underappreciated contributions to American Music is the African sound and spirit. CCC’s 2021 Black History Month concert explores how the power of Black music has been the cultural key in both preserving African traditions in America and in helping millions persevere in the face of racial injustice. Join us for a dynamic virtual educational program and performance exploring music’s role for Black Americans in maintaining a sense of community in the United States. 

CCC is proud to bring our annual Black History Month concert to the digital stage.  

All are invited to tune in to the free livestream on our Facebook and YouTube channels.   

February 27, 2021  5:00 PM CST Black Nashville Assembly Town Hall  
Join the Black Nashville Assembly for the State of Black Nashville Saturday, February 27, 5:00 p.m. CT.  

Register at bit.ly/615townhall 

February 28, 2021 6:00 PM CST Call and Response: Intimate Talks with Jazz Icons 
Bassist, composer and educator Christian McBride and moderator Andre Kimo Stone Guess plan to discuss musical inspirations, what it means to be an artist during challenging times and what the future may hold for musicians and the music industry. Audience Q&A included. 

Free-$50. livingjazz.org/call-response 

February 3 – March 10 Lecture Series Every Wednesday at 5:00PM CST Talking About Race Matters: 
One of the most important topics throughout history and in recent months, is the topic of race. Given current events covered in the news, the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum feels that it is important to have and to facilitate conversations on race, even though they can be challenging. Because of this, they have put together a series of talks with experts, each looking at the topic of race from a different perspective. 

Link: Register online 


ONLINE BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS ON DEMAND  

Living Jazz Presents: In the Name of Love: 19th Annual MLK Musical Tribute 
Hosted by Dana King, this event lineup features many Oakland artists and activists including Kronos Quartet and Meklit, the Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, Branice McKenzie and Bryan Dyer with Glen Pearson, Living Jazz Children’s Project, Myles Staples of the 2020 Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Tory Teasley and the Teasers, and a presentation of the Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award by Rep. Barbara Lee. 

Available to stream on the Living Jazz YouTube channel. Free, donations encouraged. livingjazz.org/mlktribute 

National Museum of African American History and Culture Presents: The People’s Holiday 
This event features a live-streamed music performance with Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer and educator Christian McBride inspired by his social justice focused album, “The Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons.” The 45-minute concert also features students from the Juilliard School and a poetry reading by Sonia Sanchez. It concludes with a conversation between McBride and Sanchez moderated by museum associate director of curatorial affairs Dwandalyn Reece. 

Available to stream for free at s.si.edu/3nfoT9v 

Black History Month Celebrations and Revelations 2021 
Free virtual concert celebrating Black History Month. Ticketing – select  

RSVP now from https://www.joybullen.ca/events/ 

Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices in Black History Month
As part of the Paley Center’s celebration of Black History Month, the Paley Center will showcase the educational Netflix series, Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices, a series of shorts where celebrity readers share children’s books by Black authors to spark kid-friendly conversations about empathy, equality, self-love, and antiracism. Explore themes presented in the series books with this delightful activity guide: https://www.netflixbookmarks.com/resources/, featuring discussion questions, reading lists, resources, art projects, and writing activities for all ages! 

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