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Kanye’s Help Reviving The Avalon Regal Theater Could Be Good For Chicago

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7 years ago

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Kanye West made the announcement on Monday saying that he was officially moving back to Chicago and that he’s also working on an album with Chance The Rapper.  We were all wondering if this was really going to happen. Everyone knows that Kanye has been known to make quick decisions and change his mind later.  But, whether he stays permanently or simply chooses to begin spending more time in the area – it’s clear that Kanye believes he has work to do in Chicago, and it could be really helpful for the city.

As stated on Twitter, Kanye has already started planning the opening for a Yeezy office in the city. He also expressed an interest in teaching a course at the Art Institute of Chicago (where he received his Honorary Doctorate) as well as at the American Academy of Art.

If his ambitions don’t sound high enough, Kanye has also proclaimed his interest in helping with the restoration of the Avalon Regal Theater in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. His plan? He wants to bring a Comedy tour to the city through the venue as a start in it’s restoration. If you’re not from Chicago, I’ll explain why the following tweet received over 2,200 retweets and why it could be a great move for both Kanye and the city.

Because of the historical value of this project, Kanye’s assistance could be great for Chicago! The Avalon building (previously a historical movie theater) was later renamed as The New Regal Theater as the replacement of the original Regal Theater which was built in 1928.  That original theater once frequently housed performances by Nat “King” Cole, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, Dinah Washington, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and many more. Aretha Franklin was even named the “Queen of Soul” during a performance in that original venue in the 60s. It took years after the original landmark was demolished, before the “New Regal Theater” was created as its replacement, but it has recently been dormant since 2010.

In 2013, there were rumors that Jay Z and Beyonce would be purchasing “The New Regal Theater”. However, according to the Chicago Sun Times, in 2014, a 33 year old South Side Chicago native and entrepreneur named Jerald Gary, purchased  the theater out of forclousure for $100,000. Jerald has since been trying to raise money to fix up the building. If Kanye were to partner with Jerald in continuing to revive this venue, it could bring many opportunities and much inspiration to the area.

The South side of Chicago mainly makes the news because of violence.  We rarely hear stories about the good that is happening there or about rich history of the area that some of it’s natives may not even be aware of. But, as stated on the theater’s website, Jerald Gary seeks to change that by re-opening “The Avalon Regal Theater” as the epicenter for Black entertainment in America and the repurposing of neighborhood structures as support spaces for media and technology.

“The South Side desperately needs a building like the Avalon Regal Theater as a solution to the violence plaguing Chicago’s communities and young people,” says Gary.  “This project would also serve as a community anchor by creating jobs, strengthening neighborhood arts non-profit organizations, inspiring youth creativity, and of course… hosting awesome concerts!”  – Jerald Gary

 

Gary recently gave the following statement in reply to Kanye’s recent tweet about wanting to help:

“I am thrilled to have Kanye’s support as I work to reopen this Landmark venue to the community and world,” the statement said. “His global impact and influence can bring much needed positive attention to Chicago’s South Shore community.”

Chicago is known for keeping historic landmarks in various areas. But, if left abandon for too long, some buildings are not able to remain. So, it’s honorable to see a local entrepreneur like Jerald Gary working hard to revive and preserve this historic venue. Gary recently told the Chicago Sun-Times that he has already poured “over $1 million” in getting the 2,250-seat theater back into shape. But he doesn’t want to throw any more of his own money into the project without finding community support — or a wealthy investor — first. The building is currently in great shape. He only needs $100,000 more to take care of some minor plumbing and electrical work, as well as some technology upgrades – all of which should take only weeks to complete.

Depending on how much Kanye is looking to assist, his help could be transformational for the community.  Some might even call it a wise investment. A lot of changes are currently taking place in the South Shore and nearby Woodlawn communities. Barak and Michelle Obama are building the “Obama Presidential Center“ there, and the new Tiger Woods Championship Golf Course will be built in that side of town as well.

Only time will tell what happens with Kanye and his involvement moving forward.  But, whether he moves to Chicago permanently or not, I’m definitely rooting for him to become more involved!

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Tamara Young-McCoy is the founder of ArtSoul Konnect Entertainment Media, home to ArtSoulRadio.com, and a Radio Host/Journalist whose work has appeared in Ebony, Jet, Blavity, and other publications. With a background in TV, film, and digital media, she is dedicated to bridging faith, culture, and entertainment through storytelling and media innovation. She is passionate about mentoring young creatives, amplifying diverse voices, and advancing the Christian music industry while expanding its mainstream reach. Follow her on social media or learn more at www.tamarayoungmccoy.com.

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Culture

Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Announce Their Exits from Maverick City Music: The End of an Era and the Beginning of Something New

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2 months ago

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October 17, 2025

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Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore have officially announced their exits from Maverick City Music, marking a major shift for one of the most influential worship collectives of the past decade.

The news arrives without scandal or spectacle, but it still carries weight. Maverick City Music didn’t just produce songs — it helped reframe what worship could sound like, look like, and feel like for a generation raised on genre-blending playlists, vulnerability, and authenticity. Naomi and Chandler were central to that identity.

In many ways, the transition had already begun.

Just weeks before the announcement, Naomi Raine released her solo project, Jesus Over Everything, on September 14. The album feels stripped-back and intentional, less focused on communal anthems and more on personal conviction. Songs like “Lost in Hallelujah” lean into restraint rather than climax — worship that doesn’t rush resolution or try to sound bigger than it is.

Addressing the shift directly, Naomi framed the moment as growth rather than departure.

“This isn’t really an ending. It’s a new beginning. A new chapter,” she wrote. “I learned so much about God, about people, and about myself. Every song was written from a pure place — just wanting to please God.”

Her statement reflects a throughline that’s been present throughout her work: faith as something lived and evolving, not fixed or performative.

Chandler Moore followed with his own message, emphasizing clarity and forward momentum rather than nostalgia.

“These last few years have been locked in on what really matters in my life and my career,” he shared. “It’s been scary at times, but full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future.”

That recalibration has increasingly shaped Chandler’s solo direction, which he says is focused less on production and more on connection.

“I’m stepping into the next phase, ready to make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”

That approach mirrors what drew so many listeners to Maverick City Music in the first place. The collective disrupted traditional worship norms by embracing cultural nuance, emotional honesty, and musical hybridity — pulling from gospel, CCM, soul, and contemporary Black music without forcing clean lines between them.

Naomi and Chandler weren’t just contributors to that sound — they helped define it.

Their exits don’t signal an abandonment of that vision so much as an expansion of it. Naomi’s Jesus Over Everything and Chandler’s forthcoming solo work suggest both artists are exploring what faith-centered music looks like when it’s untethered from a single collective framework.

For fans, the moment may feel like the closing of a chapter — but Maverick City Music was always designed as a community, not a container. Its influence was never meant to stop at the group itself.

As Chandler put it plainly:

“The dream hasn’t changed. The sound continues.”

What changes now is scale and direction, not intent.

Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore aren’t leaving behind what they helped build. They’re carrying it forward — on their own terms, in their own voices, and into whatever comes next.

About ArtSoul Radio

ArtSoul Radio is a faith-forward media and culture platform spotlighting the intersection of Christian R&B, Gospel, CHH, and creative expression. Through storytelling, sound, and community, we amplify the voices shaping the next era of faith-driven culture.

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Culture

NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”

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4 months ago

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August 30, 2025

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Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.

Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.

👉 Watch the live performance here.

Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥

Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.

Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.

The Vibe

With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.

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ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest

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4 months ago

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August 15, 2025

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Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.

Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:

  • A private link to the full panel replay
  • Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
  • Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2

Why This Event Matters

Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.

About Churchy

After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.

ArtSoul Radio teams up with XL Film Fest, the Empowerment Actor Summit & BET+ for an exclusive Chicago screening and panel of KevOnStage’s “Churchy” Season 2.

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