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Event
Between: A Journey Through the Middle
Join vocalists Sarah M. Greer, Aimee K. Bryant, Bruce A. Henry and Libby Turner Opanga for two magical nights of a improvised vocal journey exploring multiple meanings of being in the "between" spaces.
TWO SHOWS
Friday, February 7th - 8:00 pm (doors 7:30 pm)
Saturday, February 8th - 8:00 pm (doors 7:30 pm)
Mixed Blood Theatre
1501 South 4th Street
Minneapolis MN 55404
Inspired by Sarah's trip to the Canary Islands in 2011, BETWEEN: A Journey Through the Middle spins a singing conversation that celebrates the journeying places in each of us, reminding us to embrace edges, transition and change.
"I found myself on this island between Africa and North America and I felt very connected and disconnected to this place at the same time. I was interested in that tension, what was going on between those two emotions. I realized this sensation was familiar, yet unexamined. I began to envision a piece created with other singers where I could reflect on that experience," says Sarah.
Three years later, Sarah has developed Between. Using invented song, dance and story, she and her fellow griots strive to balance ancestral lineage and wisdom with contemporary intuition and improvisation.
Deepening and enriching the superb vocals are the talents of drummer Nathan J. Greer (Sarah's brother) and dancer Kenna Camara Cottman. "Singers have always used dance and drums. Our instrument is the body, the power of rhythm and movement are innate and necessary."
These performances are utterly original, soulful and deep yet playful and celebratory. Be sure you experience this unique celebration.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
SARAH M. GREER is a vocalist, improviser and instructor who has invented songs and stories on stages and in concerts in the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota and the Midwest, Vancouver, Amsterdam, Tuscany and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Her trip to Tenerife is a primary inspiration for Between: A Journey Through the Middle.
Sarah is a fiscal year 2013 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
AIMEE K. BRYANT is an actor, singer, songwriter and teaching artist working in the Twin Cities.
KENNA-CAMARA COTTMAN creates contemporary Black dance that deals with interesting topics, confusing cultural ideas, and movement-based puzzles. She is a skilled dancer who supports choreographer colleagues such as Pramila Vasudevan and Leah Nelson by dancing in their work and is a member of Oyin Dance Collective, a unique collaboration of Black women who study African Based dance forms. Known as "Ms. Kenna" to students all over the state of Minnesota, Kenna has worked in the field of dance and art for over 20 years. She is supported by her artistic family, William and Beverly Cottman, Yonci Jameson and Ebrima Sarge.
NATHAN J. GREER is a classically trained percussionist who began studying the drum set in his early teens. In college, Nathan studied percussion and improvisation with Dr. James Latimer. His diverse tastes and abilities have allowed him to play in a wide array of groups and settings, most notably with avant-garde saxophonist Hanah Jon Taylor, electro-acoustic pop group Tabakin, and the instrumental R&B group the Sol Reys. Nathan has been fortunate to share the stage with numerous acts, including Donald Byrd, Rueben Wilson, Fishbone, Ben Harper, The Roots, Gang Starr, The Pharcyde and De La Soul. He is a drummer and instructor in Chicago, Illinois.
BRUCE A. HENRY is a vocalist, performer and educator extraordinaire who possesses a three-octave range and a pure voice with versatility few can match. His music has taken him to five continents and he has recorded for Disney, HBO and numerous national ad campaigns. In addition, Bruce has performed with and opened for the likes of Doc Severinson, Roberta Flack, Chris Botti, Ramsey Lewis, Stephane Grapelli, Jimmy Jam and The Sounds of Blackness.
ELIZABETH "LIBBY" TURNER OPANGA is one of the most recognizable and active musicians in Minnesota and shares her love of music enthusiastically with people of all colors, cultures and musical tastes. In 1987, she joined the Sounds of Blackness, functioning not only as a member, soloist and section leader, but also as the group's vocal coach. By 1994, the "Sounds" had won two Grammy Awards, and Libby's membership had taken her around the world from the White House to London to Africa to Japan and nearly every major stage and venue in the United States. Her name is found on albums by Karyn White, Ann Nesby, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Esera Tuaolo, Barry White and the R&B group, Solo
ABOUT MIXED BLOOD THEATRE
Mixed Blood Theatre has invited the global village into its audience and onto its stage for its unique brand of provocative, inclusive, and predictably unpredictable theater since 1976.
Sarah M. Greer is a fiscal year 2013 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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LocationMixed Blood Theater (View)
1501 South 4th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55454
United States
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