MUSIC
June 30, 2017
Brian Miller (traditional jazz)
7pm & 9pm
Admission: $15
If you only come to see Brian Miller play at Beyú Caffé for one reason, come because he brings so much joy to playing. He readily admits that, while he might not play the most technical or musically complex jazz, he plays music that feels good, brightens days, and ensures that a listener enjoys hearing it as much as he enjoys playing it. And it’s obvious when he’s on stage that he’s in love with what he’s doing. He has played and recorded with the John Brown Quintet and Big Band, the phenomenal Mrs. Nnenne Freelon, The Upper Room Church of God in Christ Sanctuary Choir, Beggars Caravan, The Josh Pepper Project, Mr. Clark Terry, Maceo Parker, Branford Marsalis, T.S. Monk, Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Adonis Rose, Mr. Jimmy Heath, Bob Mintzer… just to name a few.
Beyu Caffe
341 West Main Street, Durham
(919) 683-1058
www.beyucaffe.com
July 8, 2017
Al Strong
7pm
Free Admission
Trumpet player Al Strong is well known in the Triangle's growing jazz scene. He is a gifted musician, arranger, and composer; a respected instructor in his role as adjunct professor at NC Central University's Jazz Studies program; and as the co-founder of the Art of Cool Project, a non-profit jazz presenting organization that has been working to expand the audience for jazz in the Triangle since 2011. Strong has had the pleasure of performing for artists such as Brandford Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Clay Aiken, and Linda Eder. He has also lent his trumpet playing to an array of talent including The Foreign Exchange, Yazarah, Soul Understated featuring Mavis 'Swan' Poole, and Big Daddy Kane, along with a number of others. Strong's debut album, LoveStrong Vol. 1, showcases his distinctly robust sound and musical versatility. It is appealing to both new listeners of the genre as well as jazz aficionados.
Sertoma Amphitheatre, Bond Park
801 High House Rd, Cary
Rain Location: Kiwanis Shelter, Bond Park
July 15, 2017
Jubilee Music Festival
11am - 2pm
Free, but donations accepted
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and help celebrate African-American musical traditions and their legacy.
Historic Stagville
5828 Old Oxford Hwy, Durham
(919) 620-0120
July 21, 2017
SolKitchen and The Art of Cool Project Present: Dre Z: Tribute to the Music of Dr. Dre & Jay Z
8pm (Doors), 9pm (Show)
Admission: $10+
The Pour House Music Hall
224 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
(919) 821-1120
www.thepourhousemusichall.com
August 4, 2017
The Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band - Durham Central Park Concert Series
6pm - 8pm
Whether seen on HBO’s Treme or at their legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple Leaf, Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band is a true New Orleans institution. They headline this year's Durham Central Park Concert Series. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. While committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands, they’ve also extended themselves into the realms of funk and hip-hop to create their signature sound. “Rebirth can be precise whenever it wants to,” says The New York Times, “but it’s more like a party than a machine. It’s a working model of the New Orleans musical ethos: as long as everybody knows what they’re doing, anyone can cut loose.” In the wake of the sometimes- stringent competition amongst New Orleans brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack, and they show no signs of slowing down. "...saw the Rebirth Brass Band playing at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street, and it changed my life. It was one of these transcendent musical experiences." -Ani DiFranco. Local food trucks and craft beer. Presented in partnership with The Art of Cool Project.
Durham Central Park
501 Foster Street, Durham
www.durhamcentralpark.org
August 4, 2017
Trae Pierce & The T-Stones
8pm (Door), 9pm (Show)
Admission: $5+
Grammy Award-winning bassist Trae Pierce is leading a wild new musical experience known as Trae Pierce & the T-Stones (TPTS). Defined by hard-edged funk and hip-hop mixed with rock and blues, TPTS has developed a high-energy live show with a modern feel that also recalls the unstoppable grooves of Bootsy Collins: they “wants to funk you up!” Trae is a world-class bassist and four-time Grammy Award-winner (with the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama) who cut his bass chops as a member of The Ohio Players.
The Pour House Music Hall
224 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
(919) 821-1120
www.thepourhousemusichall.com
August 10, 2017
Mary J. Blige with Lalah Hathaway
7:30pm
Admission: $30.50+
Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), a 2012 Golden Globe nomination, and five American Music Awards, Blige is a global superstar. In the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.
Red Hat Amphitheater
500 South McDowell Street, Raleigh
(919) 996-8800
www.redhatamphitheater.com
September 7, 2017
Jojo Abot
7:30pm
Admission: $20
Dive into the dreamy multiple worlds of Ghanaian global fusionist Jojo Abot, coupling Afrobeat, jazz, reggae and electronica with fashion, film, literature and performance art. Dividing her time between Accra, Copenhagen and New York City, Jojo’s ongoing project FYFYA WOTO (New Birth | New Discovery) examines Self as a provocative tool in the discovery, exchange and evolution of identity. Poised to take the world by storm with her uniquely coined Afro-Hypno-Sonic sound and otherworldly perspective, Fall 2017 sees her on tour with the legendary Lauryn Hill.
Carolina Performing Arts
Memorial Hall
University of North Carolina
114 E. Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill
(919) 843-3333
www.carolinaperformingarts.org
October 4, 2017
TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band
7:30pm
Admission: $49.50+
TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band sees Blues titans Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ share the stage with their band for an exciting night of music, performing songs from their long-anticipated collaborative album ‘TajMo’, coming May 5, 2017 on Concord Records, stopping at DPAC on October 4, 2017. While the two have known and influenced each other for decades, and Taj played a key role in Keb’s first record deal, ‘TajMo’ marks the first proper collaboration between Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’. The album was self-produced by the duo and was mixed by Grammy Award-winner Ross Hogarth and mastered by Grammy Award-winner Richard Dodd. The 11-song set includes covers of John Mayer and The Who, as well as 6 original songs.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian St, Durham
(919) 680-2787
www.dpacnc.com
October 19, 2017
JD Allen Trio & Geri Allen
7pm & 9pm
Admission: $25 (Regular), $10 (Duke Students)
The pianist Geri Allen is one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of her generation. A Guggenheim Fellow and University of Pittsburgh Director of Jazz Studies, she has worked with a Who’s Who of players and arrangers, from Ornette Coleman and Charlie Haden to Laurie Anderson and Betty Carter.
For a decade now, tenor saxophonist JD Allen has anchored his eponymous trio, supported by drummer Rudy Royston and bassist Gregg August. Allen’s ragged, searching tone is redolent of jazz’s blues heritage, and his playing reflects his pedigree as a grandson of the Delta, a son of Detroit, and a leader of modern jazz.
Durham Fruit & Produce Company
305 South Dillard Street, Durham
(919) 684-4444
www.dukeperformances.duke.edu
December 9, 2017
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Winston Marsalis: Big Band Holidays
8pm
Admission: TBA
In this much-anticipated annual tradition, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis spreads holiday cheer with swinging renditions of your favorite music. Joined by special guest vocalists Catherine Russell and Kenny Washington, they perform sacred and secular holiday classics such as Count Basie’s “Jingle Bells,” Billie Holiday’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Carolina Performing Arts
Memorial Hall
University of North Carolina
114 E. Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill
(919) 843-3333
www.carolinaperformingarts.org
January 26 & 28, 2018
Verdi - Rigoletto
Admission: TBA
The court jester Rigoletto insults and humiliates all those around him for the amusement of his boss, the Duke of Mantua. But eventually those words come back to haunt him, setting him and his innocent, love-struck daughter Gilda on a course for disaster. You will immediately recognize the parade of hit tunes from Gilda’s “Caro nome” to the Duke’s “La donna è mobile” and to the thrilling final quartet. At the heart of the story though is Rigoletto himself, a tragic title character worthy of Shakespeare, a case study that proves that nothing good ever comes from hate and a never-ending thirst for revenge. The role of Gilda will be performed by African American sophrano Jacqueline Echols. The role of Sparafucile will be played by African American bass-baritone Soloman Howard. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
North Carolina Opera
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
2 E South Street, Raleigh
(919) 996-8700
www.ncopera.org
February 24, 2018
Somi
8pm
Admission: TBA
NPR calls Somi, “The quintessential artist citizen of the world.” Born in Illinois, the daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda, Somi has worked for the last decade carving out a career as a renowned jazz vocalist, songwriter and activist.
Timus Theatre
NC State University
2241 Dunn Ave, Raleigh
(919) 515-2405
www.live.arts.ncsu.edu
June 30, 2017
Brian Miller (traditional jazz)
7pm & 9pm
Admission: $15
If you only come to see Brian Miller play at Beyú Caffé for one reason, come because he brings so much joy to playing. He readily admits that, while he might not play the most technical or musically complex jazz, he plays music that feels good, brightens days, and ensures that a listener enjoys hearing it as much as he enjoys playing it. And it’s obvious when he’s on stage that he’s in love with what he’s doing. He has played and recorded with the John Brown Quintet and Big Band, the phenomenal Mrs. Nnenne Freelon, The Upper Room Church of God in Christ Sanctuary Choir, Beggars Caravan, The Josh Pepper Project, Mr. Clark Terry, Maceo Parker, Branford Marsalis, T.S. Monk, Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Adonis Rose, Mr. Jimmy Heath, Bob Mintzer… just to name a few.
Beyu Caffe
341 West Main Street, Durham
(919) 683-1058
www.beyucaffe.com
July 8, 2017
Al Strong
7pm
Free Admission
Trumpet player Al Strong is well known in the Triangle's growing jazz scene. He is a gifted musician, arranger, and composer; a respected instructor in his role as adjunct professor at NC Central University's Jazz Studies program; and as the co-founder of the Art of Cool Project, a non-profit jazz presenting organization that has been working to expand the audience for jazz in the Triangle since 2011. Strong has had the pleasure of performing for artists such as Brandford Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Clay Aiken, and Linda Eder. He has also lent his trumpet playing to an array of talent including The Foreign Exchange, Yazarah, Soul Understated featuring Mavis 'Swan' Poole, and Big Daddy Kane, along with a number of others. Strong's debut album, LoveStrong Vol. 1, showcases his distinctly robust sound and musical versatility. It is appealing to both new listeners of the genre as well as jazz aficionados.
Sertoma Amphitheatre, Bond Park
801 High House Rd, Cary
Rain Location: Kiwanis Shelter, Bond Park
July 15, 2017
Jubilee Music Festival
11am - 2pm
Free, but donations accepted
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and help celebrate African-American musical traditions and their legacy.
Historic Stagville
5828 Old Oxford Hwy, Durham
(919) 620-0120
July 21, 2017
SolKitchen and The Art of Cool Project Present: Dre Z: Tribute to the Music of Dr. Dre & Jay Z
8pm (Doors), 9pm (Show)
Admission: $10+
The Pour House Music Hall
224 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
(919) 821-1120
www.thepourhousemusichall.com
August 4, 2017
The Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band - Durham Central Park Concert Series
6pm - 8pm
Whether seen on HBO’s Treme or at their legendary Tuesday night gig at The Maple Leaf, Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band is a true New Orleans institution. They headline this year's Durham Central Park Concert Series. Formed in 1983 by the Frazier brothers, the band has evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to playing festivals and stages all over the world. While committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands, they’ve also extended themselves into the realms of funk and hip-hop to create their signature sound. “Rebirth can be precise whenever it wants to,” says The New York Times, “but it’s more like a party than a machine. It’s a working model of the New Orleans musical ethos: as long as everybody knows what they’re doing, anyone can cut loose.” In the wake of the sometimes- stringent competition amongst New Orleans brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack, and they show no signs of slowing down. "...saw the Rebirth Brass Band playing at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street, and it changed my life. It was one of these transcendent musical experiences." -Ani DiFranco. Local food trucks and craft beer. Presented in partnership with The Art of Cool Project.
Durham Central Park
501 Foster Street, Durham
www.durhamcentralpark.org
August 4, 2017
Trae Pierce & The T-Stones
8pm (Door), 9pm (Show)
Admission: $5+
Grammy Award-winning bassist Trae Pierce is leading a wild new musical experience known as Trae Pierce & the T-Stones (TPTS). Defined by hard-edged funk and hip-hop mixed with rock and blues, TPTS has developed a high-energy live show with a modern feel that also recalls the unstoppable grooves of Bootsy Collins: they “wants to funk you up!” Trae is a world-class bassist and four-time Grammy Award-winner (with the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama) who cut his bass chops as a member of The Ohio Players.
The Pour House Music Hall
224 S. Blount Street, Raleigh
(919) 821-1120
www.thepourhousemusichall.com
August 10, 2017
Mary J. Blige with Lalah Hathaway
7:30pm
Admission: $30.50+
Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), a 2012 Golden Globe nomination, and five American Music Awards, Blige is a global superstar. In the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.
Red Hat Amphitheater
500 South McDowell Street, Raleigh
(919) 996-8800
www.redhatamphitheater.com
September 7, 2017
Jojo Abot
7:30pm
Admission: $20
Dive into the dreamy multiple worlds of Ghanaian global fusionist Jojo Abot, coupling Afrobeat, jazz, reggae and electronica with fashion, film, literature and performance art. Dividing her time between Accra, Copenhagen and New York City, Jojo’s ongoing project FYFYA WOTO (New Birth | New Discovery) examines Self as a provocative tool in the discovery, exchange and evolution of identity. Poised to take the world by storm with her uniquely coined Afro-Hypno-Sonic sound and otherworldly perspective, Fall 2017 sees her on tour with the legendary Lauryn Hill.
Carolina Performing Arts
Memorial Hall
University of North Carolina
114 E. Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill
(919) 843-3333
www.carolinaperformingarts.org
October 4, 2017
TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band
7:30pm
Admission: $49.50+
TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band sees Blues titans Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ share the stage with their band for an exciting night of music, performing songs from their long-anticipated collaborative album ‘TajMo’, coming May 5, 2017 on Concord Records, stopping at DPAC on October 4, 2017. While the two have known and influenced each other for decades, and Taj played a key role in Keb’s first record deal, ‘TajMo’ marks the first proper collaboration between Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’. The album was self-produced by the duo and was mixed by Grammy Award-winner Ross Hogarth and mastered by Grammy Award-winner Richard Dodd. The 11-song set includes covers of John Mayer and The Who, as well as 6 original songs.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian St, Durham
(919) 680-2787
www.dpacnc.com
October 19, 2017
JD Allen Trio & Geri Allen
7pm & 9pm
Admission: $25 (Regular), $10 (Duke Students)
The pianist Geri Allen is one of the most celebrated jazz musicians of her generation. A Guggenheim Fellow and University of Pittsburgh Director of Jazz Studies, she has worked with a Who’s Who of players and arrangers, from Ornette Coleman and Charlie Haden to Laurie Anderson and Betty Carter.
For a decade now, tenor saxophonist JD Allen has anchored his eponymous trio, supported by drummer Rudy Royston and bassist Gregg August. Allen’s ragged, searching tone is redolent of jazz’s blues heritage, and his playing reflects his pedigree as a grandson of the Delta, a son of Detroit, and a leader of modern jazz.
Durham Fruit & Produce Company
305 South Dillard Street, Durham
(919) 684-4444
www.dukeperformances.duke.edu
December 9, 2017
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Winston Marsalis: Big Band Holidays
8pm
Admission: TBA
In this much-anticipated annual tradition, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis spreads holiday cheer with swinging renditions of your favorite music. Joined by special guest vocalists Catherine Russell and Kenny Washington, they perform sacred and secular holiday classics such as Count Basie’s “Jingle Bells,” Billie Holiday’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Carolina Performing Arts
Memorial Hall
University of North Carolina
114 E. Cameron Ave, Chapel Hill
(919) 843-3333
www.carolinaperformingarts.org
January 26 & 28, 2018
Verdi - Rigoletto
Admission: TBA
The court jester Rigoletto insults and humiliates all those around him for the amusement of his boss, the Duke of Mantua. But eventually those words come back to haunt him, setting him and his innocent, love-struck daughter Gilda on a course for disaster. You will immediately recognize the parade of hit tunes from Gilda’s “Caro nome” to the Duke’s “La donna è mobile” and to the thrilling final quartet. At the heart of the story though is Rigoletto himself, a tragic title character worthy of Shakespeare, a case study that proves that nothing good ever comes from hate and a never-ending thirst for revenge. The role of Gilda will be performed by African American sophrano Jacqueline Echols. The role of Sparafucile will be played by African American bass-baritone Soloman Howard. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
North Carolina Opera
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
2 E South Street, Raleigh
(919) 996-8700
www.ncopera.org
February 24, 2018
Somi
8pm
Admission: TBA
NPR calls Somi, “The quintessential artist citizen of the world.” Born in Illinois, the daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda, Somi has worked for the last decade carving out a career as a renowned jazz vocalist, songwriter and activist.
Timus Theatre
NC State University
2241 Dunn Ave, Raleigh
(919) 515-2405
www.live.arts.ncsu.edu
