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SOLD OUT

The Nina Simone Tribute is sold out! We will, however, have a limited number of tickets that will be released at 8:30pm on the day of the show. We encourage you to sign up for the waiting list, as these tickets will be made available on a first-come-first-serve basis to those who are present and names appear on the list. To add your name to the waiting list, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 212.281.9240 x 19 or 20.

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.

http://www.tamar-kali.com/home.html

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/

Latasha Natasha Nevada Diggs- http://www.latashadiggs.com/

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

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

Narjess Saad-Ellaoui

Portia Rolle

DJ Reborn

DJ Reborn has been pleasing crowds across the country and abroad for over a decade with her mellifluous blend of soul, hip-hop, reggae, house, latin, afro-beat, electro, classics, rock, and more. This Chicago native now resides in New York and not only spins at clubs and parties but also at museums (including The Studio Museum of Harlem and The Whitney Museum), as well as live shows with artists such as The Roots, Common, Talib Kweli, India Arie and John Legend. Reborn was the 2004/05 international tour DJ with Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam. In 2009, Reborn was feature DJ on HBO's Brave New Voices hosted by Idris Elba. Her ability, experiences and unique prespective have primed this pioneering DJ to participate in important panels, conferences and lead lectures and demonstrations.

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