FIRED--This Sept. 29, 2012 photo shows Rick Ross performing at the BET Hip-Hop Honors at Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta. (Photo by John Amis/Invision/AP, file)

by Mesfin Fekadu

NEW YORK (AP) — Reebok has ended its relationship with Rick Ross following heavy criticism of lyrics by the rapper considered by some to be pro-rape.

THE ORCHESTRA—Lisa Ferraro with Mike Tomaro and the Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra. (Photos by J.L. Martello)

Familylinks, with Honorary Chair Chuck Sanders, hosted the inaugural “Just Jazz” concert presented by BNY Mellon Jazz March 6, at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture. The event, which included a cocktail reception, VIP meet and greet, and jazz performances, was to raise funds to support Familylinks’ vital programs and services.
Renowned Pittsburgh native vocalist Lisa Yvonne Ferraro, with Mike Tomaro and the Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra, brought back the swing of the Big Band era. Opening for Lisa was local star, Benny Benack, II. The emcee for the night was Tony Mowod.
 “Just Jazz” was catered by Savoy Restaurant and Lounge.
Familylinks provides vital support services to the most vulnerable members of our community. During program year 2011-12, the agency helped more than 7,000 individuals directly through the following service areas:  Behavioral Health Services; Education and Community Services; and Youth and Family Services.  In addition, Familylinks reached approximately 10,000 residents of Allegheny County through school/community education programs. 

IN HOT WATER--Rapper/actor LL Cool J arrives at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2013. (Photo by Al Powers/Invision/AP)

by Chris Talbott

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country singer Brad Paisley says he was trying to foster an open discussion of race relations when he collaborated with rapper LL Cool J on "Accidental Racist."

Thursday 11
Beginnings Funk & Breaking
    The Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents Beginning Funk & Breaking with the Get Down Gang from 6-7:15 p.m. at The Alloy Studios, 5530 Penn Ave., East Liberty. This class will showcase different styles while staying firmly rooted in the rich cultural history of hip-hop. Experiment with popping and locking and break down sweet bboy/bgirl and footwork moves. For more information, call 412-363-3000.
Jazz Jam
    CJ’s Restaurant & Lounge presents “The Roger Humphries & RH Factor Jazz Jam Session” at 8 p.m. at 2901-2911 Penn Ave., Strip District. There will be live jazz and fun every Thursday night. Must be 30 years or older and there is a dress code that will be enforced. No tennis shoes, sweats, or athletic gear. For more information, call 412-642-2377.
Friday 12
Jazz Appreciation Month
    The Black Music Education Project presents a Jazz Appreciation Month event at 7:30 p.m. at The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, 5006 Penn Ave., Garfield. The evening will feature bassist Henry Grimes, percussionist Ronnie Burrage and saxophonist Lee Robinson. They will come together for the first time. For more information, call 412-924-0634.
Saturday 13
Solo Exhibits
    The August Wilson Center for African American Culture presents Solo Exhibits from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. This exhibition showcases fiber art, printmaking, paintings and sculptures from the artists, Leslie Ansley, Tina Brewer and Jo-Anne Bates. Each artist has drawn inspiration from journeys recalling African-American heritage, reflecting on Diaspora or Pilgrimages to the African continent. The exhibit runs through June 29. For more information, call 412-258-2700.
Sunday 14
Cast of Characters
    The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents Cast of Characters at the 709 Penn Gallery, 709 Penn Ave., Cultural District. Curators Vicky Clark and Cindy Lisica bring together diverse artists with character-driven work to question the nature of our everyday existence and the relationship to larger-than-life heroes and gods. For more information, call 412-456-6666.
Monday 15
Savoy Jazz
    Savoy Restaurant presents Savoy Jazz from 5-9 p.m. at 2623 Penn Ave., Strip District. Every Monday guests can enjoy live jazz in a sophisticated atmosphere with the Roger Humphries Trio and a special guest each week. This week’s guest will be jazz vocalist Spanky Wilson. For more information, call 412-281-0660 or visit www.savoypgh.com.
Tuesday 16
Diggin’ Deep
    BNY Mellon Jazz presents Diggin’ Deep JazzLive Cabaret Sessions at 8 p.m. at the Backstage Bar at Cabaret Theater, 655 Penn Ave., Cultural District. This is in celebration of National Jazz Appreciation Month. The featured guest will be the Nicholas Payton Trio. There will also be a performance from 5-8 p.m. by Tom Wendt. For more information, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.trustarts.org.