The Langston Hughes Blues

Transformative poetry swirls around the joys and hardships of working-class black lives from James Mercer Langston Hughes - an American poet, leader of the Harlem Renaissance, and father of what came to be known as “jazz poetry.” Featuring selections from Hughes’ early poetry collection “The Weary Blues”, evocatively rendered by acclaimed DC theatre artist, Ricardo Frederick Evans and the imaginative jazz compositions of Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz, along with his musical collaborators, The Markus Rutz Trio & Quartet.

Hercule Poirot can’t resist a case, even when holidaying in Brighton with his dutiful friend, Captain Hastings. When a precious pearl necklace vanishes from a locked hotel room, a puzzling case of deduction ensues for the Belgian detective. The seventh short story from Agatha Christie’s collection, Poirot Investigates features acclaimed DC actor and vocal artist David Bryan Jackson, along with musical renditions of Irving Berlin’s classic “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” by Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz and his musical collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  

Chapters 4 and 5 from A. A. Milne’s beloved collection of short stories following the adventures of an anthropomorphic teddy bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, and his friends Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo. Rendered by acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, this episode features signature music by Grammy-recognized trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz plus “The Hundred Acre Woods” theme song composed by Richard C. Washer. 

Beloved English essayist, poet and critic, Charles Lamb (1775-1834) reflects his gentle wisdom upon humanity’s annual celebration in his essay “New Year’s Eve.” Featuring award-winning vocal artist and acclaimed actor Christopher Lane and the angelic voice of Kathleen Manuel singing the original version of “Auld Lang Syne” by Scottish lyricist and national poet Robert Burns. Accompaniment by The Rose In-House Musical Group “The Gamut” alongside signature music by Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.

A celebration of Christmas and the holiday season beginning with acclaimed actor Rick Foucheux’s humorous tale of putting up his fake Christmas tree, alongside the Christmas classic, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” and a wondrous rendering of the popular Irish-language Christmas carol “Don Oiche Úd i mBeithil” performed by The Rose musical group The Gamut.  With seasonal bonus tracks.

A look at mankind’s deep and enduring connection to dogs through the eyes of two literary masters: American humorist Mark Twain in “A Dog’s Tale” and “The Power of the Dog,” by the great British poet Rudyard Kipling. Including the “Waltz of the Puppy” (Valse du petit Chien), by Polish composer and virtuoso, Frédéric Chopin.

Chapters 2 and 3 from A. A. Milne’s beloved collection of short stories following the adventures of an anthropomorphic teddy bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, and his friends Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo. Rendered by acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, this episode features signature music by Grammy-recognized trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz plus “The Hundred Acre Woods” theme song composed by Richard C. Washer. 

During an archeological expedition to Egypt, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is called upon to investigate the ominous deaths surrounding the opening of a newly discovered tomb.  As Poirot, along with his faithful companion, Capt. Hastings, unravels the enigma, he encounters a cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets. The sixth short story from Agatha Christie’s collection, Poirot Investigates features acclaimed DC actor and vocal artist David Bryan Jackson, along with musical renditions of Irving Berlin’s classic “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” by Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz and his musical collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  

The riveting final chapter of what is now considered Ernest Hemingway’s greatest work, portraying American and British expatriates who travel from Paris to the Festival of San Fermin to watch the running of the bulls and the bullfights.  Magnificently rendered by acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, this episode features signature music by Grammy-recognized trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  Missed a few chapters?  They’re all waiting for you online at TheRoseRhapsody.com

Reflections from the American Civil War, including President Abraham Lincoln’s poignant plea for national unity from his Second Inaugural Address, and the remarkable account of men in war, graphically brought to light in passages from “Four Years in the Stonewall Brigade,” by John O. Casler.  Performances in this episode include: Helen Hayes award-winning actors Rick Foucheux as President Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Lane as John O. Casler. Music in this episode includes Richard C. Washer performing “All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight” and new renderings of “The Battle Hymn of The Republic,” by The Rose Resident Composer and trumpet player Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.