PHOTOS & Set List from BRC's 4 Women Tribute — August 23

Full group 

(l to r: Karma Johnson, Lisette Santiago, Lynne Procope, Abena Koomson, Aklebulan, Tamar-Kali, Latasha Diggs, Onel Mulet)

4 pm on a sunny August Sunday afternoon in Damrosch Park–and no shade–is not a good look.  It was hotter 'n a mugh.  But the music made it all worth it.

My hat's off to Latasha Diggs for pulling together a talented group of women, backed by the BRC Orchestra, for this tribute to Miriam Makeba, Eartha Kitt, Abbey Lincoln and Odetta.  She did a great job of pairing the right songs with the right singers.  It made for a truly energizing afternoon.  And while I'm always happy to hear Tamar-Kali and Latasha, I have to say that all the other singers are artists worth checking out.  Karma Johnson, in particular, tore up Abbey Lincoln's "Africa".

Beverly_watkins

Also, it was very cool to see blues legend Beverly "Guitar" Watkins (above w/ Ben Tyree).  She's one of a kind.

Kudos to all for an exciting afternoon of music!

Latasha kindly provided the set list, so here it is in case you want to check out the original versions:

  1. Abena  Koomson (Miriam “Tonados Media de Noche”) + poem by Lynne Procope
  2. Lisette Santiago (Abbey “Afro Blue” + percussion play with Roman Diaz)
  3. Tamar-Kali (Eartha “Cest Si Bon”)
  4. Karma Mayet Johnson (Odetta “Oh Papa”) w/ Beverly "Guitar" Watkins
  5. Alkebulan w/Tamar, Karma, Lisette backing (Miriam “Amanpondo”)
  6. Latasha Diggs (Abbey “Driva Man”) + poem by Jayne Cortez
  7. Aklebulan (Eartha “A Woman Wouldn’t be A Woman")
  8. Tamar-Kali (Odetta “Timber”)
  9. Karma Mayet Johnson (Abbey “Africa")
  10. Finale: Abena Koomson w/ all back up (Miriam “Pata Pata”)

Latasha+jaynecortez

Latasha Diggs (l) and poet Jayne Cortez

Tamar-kali
 Tamar-Kali, who will be at Joe's Pub this Thursday, doing an acoustic set

Credits for this event:

  • Onel Mulet, Musical Director
  • Laronda Davis, President of BRC
  • Flyer Design, Douglas Kearney
  • Ben Tyree, Guitar
  • Eri Yamamoto, Piano
  • LaFrae Sci, Drums
  • Lewis Barnes, Trumpet
  • Lisette Santiago, Bata
  • Miriam Berkely, Bass
  • Roman Diaz, Percussion

Additional link:

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