Paralee Knight becomes the new board chair of World Cafe Live this month, succeeding Lori Landew in the role, writes Michaela Althouse for PhillyVoice.

World Cafe Live, widely known for its concerts, has a mission to create and host education programs related to music and the arts for people of all ages.

Knight will be the first Black woman to serve as board chair and has been a board member since 2015. 

As a lifelong lover of music, Knight wanted to join after seeing the work the organization was doing with artists, particularly in a musical talent-rich city like Philadelphia.

“I think that (the scene) is getting back to a place of vibrance, and one thing about Philadelphia’s music scene is that you’re never going to be able to shut it down because that’s what Philadelphians do — they survive.”

Knight has previously worked in artist management and development, and as a songwriter and producer.

In her role as World Cafe Live chair, Knight is committed to ensuring voices throughout the organization are heard, and that the atmosphere and organization are inclusive.

“What I hope is that Philadelphia will get its just due for what it has added to the music community as a whole,” she said.

Read more about Paralee Knight’s new board role in PhillyVoice.

_____