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Event
Marcus Shelby Orchestra and the Freedom Jazz Choir
At last year's Healdsburg Jazz Festival, bassist Marcus Shelby a composer of Ellingtonian sweep and ambition performed his suite "Soul of a Movement: Meditations on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," with a 16-piece jazz orchestra and the 85 member HJF Freedom Jazz Choir, created especially for the festival with help from a grant provided by the James Irvine Foundation.
This year, Shelby plans to repeat the magic on another of his suites, "Harriet Tubman, Bound for the Promised Land." As with last year, the project is "about using music as a unifying force," according to Jessica Felix, founder and creative director of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival and the project. "We want to involve Sonoma County's diverse population by offering direct performance opportunities for participants to work alongside professional musicians, creating a profound cultural experience and fostering cooperation and understanding while expanding awareness and access to jazz."
The singers will get coaching from Shelby and singer Tiffany Austin. Adam Ivey, director of Santa Rosa's Joyous Noise Community Baptist Church Ensemble, has been commissioned to compose two pieces for the ensemble. The dynamic Ms. Faye Carol will be once again contribute her soulful vocals.
When released on disc in 2007, "Harriet Tubman" proved a landmark effort. Combining modern jazz, soul and spirituals, it richly evoked the life of the escaped slave and abolitionist. With close to 100 singers telling her story in Healdsburg, transcendence is practically guaranteed.
This will be the third and final performance of the suite, following two local performances in May. It's sure to be the climax of a memorable experience for choir members and audiences alike.
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LocationThe Raven Theater (View)
115 North Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
United States
Categories
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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