June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, and so timed to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village. WBGO stands in support of the LGBTQ community — and celebrates the vital work of musicians in its ranks, who have often had to fight to carve out a space. “Make Them Hear You” is how jazz singer Aaron Myers articulates it on the first track of The Pride Album, which he’ll discuss with Keanna Faircloth on The Pulse later this month.
WBGO has a longstanding commitment to celebrating LGBTQ artists, all year round. It extends to Jazz Night in America profiles of Gary Burton, Fred Hersch and Andy Bey, and video shorts like this one, featuring Allison Miller.
Miller has played several times in our studio, as a leader or a member of a band. With pianist Carmen Staaf, she performed the last WBGO Yamaha Salon before the pandemic lockdown last year; here is the full concert, emceed by Nate Chinen.
Allison Miller and Carmen Staaf at WBGO’s Yamaha Piano Salon
WBGO’s Pride Month programming is ongoing. Among the highlights:
- Billy Strayhorn spotlight on air
- June 7: Michael Mayo album spotlight in Take Five
- June 9: Patricia Barber track feature and album announcement
- June 23: Aaron Myers interview on The Pulse
See WBGO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement for more information.
