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7:30 pm pre-show DJ mixer

8:30 pm performance

10:00 pm after party

The Black Rock Coalition Orchestra presents one of its most captivating incarnations- the all-female tribute to the inimitable Nina Simone.  Under the musical direction of composer Tamar-kali, this show was first performed in June 2003, mere weeks after the legendary singer's death.  Seven years after her passing, and fresh off of a string of standing-room only shows in France, the Black Rock Coalition continues to celebrate Nina's legacy with performances that highlight Simone's unwavering influence on some of today's most dynamic musicians. DJ Reborn spins the mixer and after party.

Existing as a performance entity since 1987, the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra (BRCO) is a collaboration of skilled progressive artists of color whose talents lend themselves to the musical re-interpretation of certain, historically significant bodies of work. Various line-ups have entertained audiences at Central Park SummerStage, Symphony Space, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Joe’s Pub, BAM Café, and Town Hall. The BRCO has also toured Europe, selling out most of the venues at which it has performed in recent years.

Nina Simone is Black rock. And with this rare presentation, the Black Rock Coalition happily sings her praises.

The Black Rock Coalition was founded in 1985 by guitarist Vernon Reid, journalist Greg Tate and producer Konda Mason in reaction to the constrictions that the commercial music industry places on Black artists.  A collective of artists, writers, producers, publicists, activists and music fans assembled to maximize exposure and provide resources for Black artists who defy convention. To date, the BRC is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to the complete creative freedom of Black artists.

Tamar-kali

Tamar-kali is a rare breed. David Bowie has come to see her play, as have Nona Hendryx and Me'Shell Ndegeocello. And scores of lesser known artists seek her out when they need inspiration for their own work. She established herself as a dominant force with a resonant voice on the NYC rock scene. But eventually, her strength as a woman in a male-dominated genre compelled her toward her own expression as a writer & composer. She has performed and produced events at Harlem Stage, Lincoln Center, Central Park, SummerStage, and Joe's Pub as well as festivals around the world. Tamar-kali's full length album, Black Bottom, will be released in 2010.

The 18 piece all female ensemble, directed by Tamar-Kali, will feature:

Angela Johnson- http://www.angelajohnson.com/fr_index.cfm

Imani Uzuri- http://www.imaniuzuri.com/

Joi- http://www.myspace.com/joi

Lisala Beatty- http://www.myspace.com/lisalab

Toli Nameless- http://www.tolinameless.com/

Portia Rolle

Tara Thierry- http://www.myspace.com/tarathierry

Tarrah Reynolds- http://www.myspace.com/misstarrah

LaFrae Sci- http://www.lafrae.com/Frae%20Frae.html

Jenny Hill- http://www.jennyhilljazz.com/

Pam Fleming- http://www.fearlessdreamer.com/

Lauren Sevian- http://www.laurensevian.com/

Mazz Swift-Camlet- http://www.myspace.com/mazzmuzik

Amali Premawardhana- http://www.myspace.com/amaliprema

Surai Balbeisi- http://www.myspace.com/nesrinebalbeisi

Narjess Saad-Ellaoui

Dawn Drake- http://www.dawndrake.com/

Please Note: This concert not affiliated with the Nina Simone Estate.

Co-presented with The Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University and the Columbia/Harlem Jazz Project