Sunday, June 18th • Doors at 6 pm, Show at 7 pm
Returning after their 2022 debut concert, Songs of Black Folk 2023 will explore the history of Black music from the African continent to the Americas. Held during Juneteenth weekend, the concert journies through the musical evolution of a people who used song to escape the sorrows of enslavement—and at times, straight-up escape. From negro spirituals, gospel, blues, jazz, and many more genres. They will even examine the lyricism of spoken word.
In PNW fashion, there’s no strict dress code—but in true Black folk style, you better look good. Evening wear is preferred.
Here’s who’s performing and presenting, courtesy STG Presents‘ event description:
- Maestro Ramón Bryant Braxton returns as Artistic Director and Conductor.
- Darin Atwater, a critically acclaimed composer, conductor, pianist, record producer, arranger, film composer, vocalist, and arts advocate will be a Special Guest.
- Soloman Howard, one of the most acclaimed opera singers in the world, brings his voice described as “sonorous” by the New York Times, “Superhuman” by the Denver Post, and “a triumph” by the Guardian.
- Lyric soprano Jacqueline Echols has been praised for her “dynamic range and vocal acrobatics” (Classical Voice) in theaters across the United States.
- James Connor has been a performer at Universal Studios since 2009 and is a Gospel and R&B recording artist, composer, conductor, pianist, dancer, and actor.
- Crystal Renee Aikin is an American gospel singer-songwriter from Tacoma, Washington, and the winner of the first season of Sunday Best.
- Josephine Howell is arguably the Pacific Northwest’s most popular and beloved African American vocalist on the scene today and flows seamlessly between Rhythm & Blues, jazz, and Gospel music.
- The Choir, an intergenerational Choral group of 40 gifted African American singers from the Puget Sound community will perform under Braxton’s direction.
- A 50-piece Orchestra (Conducted by Ramon Braxton) will accompany the Choir and the featured soloists and is comprised of musicians from the Puget Sound community.
- Emcees include the honorable T’wina Nobles, Washington State Senator from the 28th District and KING 5 News Reporter Lionel Donovan.
Talk about Black excellence!
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