Opera diva Jessye Norman is curating a series honoring the African American cultural legacy with a month of events. It's called "Honor!" and it kicks off tonight with a musical program called "Blues, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Soul and Beyond". This is an incredible lineup that includes
- Ray Chew, Musical Director
- Hosted by Sade Baderinwa, Wendell Pierce, and Ben Vereen
- Poetry reading by Avery Brooks
- Geri Allen
- Ashford & Simpson
- Terence Blanchard
- James Carter
- Ron Carter
- Doug E. Fresh
- Corey Glover
- Anthony Hamilton
- Freddie Jackson
- Leela James
- Kem
- MC Lyte
- Toshi Reagon
- Vernon Reid
- Ryan Shaw
- James "Blood" Ulmer
Other events throughout the month include performances at various locations around the city including Carnegie Hall and will feature such performers as:
- Performances by Imani Winds, Esperanza Spaulding, Gospel for Teens, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Philadelphia Orchestra and more
- Also a group of renowned African American singers from the classical music world with honor Black trailblazers such as Sissieretta Jones, Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, and Roland Hayes, among many others.
- Panel discussions on Dance Theater of Harlem, Arthur Mitchell, and The Spiritual and Gospel Music
More info is available at the Carnegie Hall site.
Hat tip to BRC Executive Director Earl Douglas for the heads up.
