Acclaimed Vocalist Somi to Kick Off
Baryshnikov Arts Center Fall 2016 Season -
Baryshnikov Arts Center Fall 2016 Season -
Tuesday, September 27 at Jerome Robbins Theater
Critically acclaimed vocalist Somi is set to launch Baryshnikov Arts Center's (BAC) 2016 Fall season with a performance on Tuesday, September 27 at BAC's Jerome Robbins Theater in New York, NY. Joining Somi will be guitarist Nir Felder, pianist Toru Dodo, bassist Ben Williams, and drummer Nate Smith.
Somi, who is often referred to as a modern day Miriam Makeba and who was recently hailed by the Huffington Post
as "the new Nina Simone," blends jazz and world music into a new art
form that is as unique as it is inspiring. She will perform a program of
songs from her repertoire--both old and new--and will also be the
featured performance of BAC's annual Fall Fête on Monday, September 26.
"The
fall is the perfect season to step into earthier, warmer things while
reflecting on the changes in ourselves and in the world around us,"
comments Somi. "I hope to do just that during my performance."
The
performance marks a return to BAC for the songstress, following the BAC
Space creative residency she received in Fall 2015 to develop Dreaming Zenzile, a jazz opera inspired by the late South African singer and political activist, Miriam Makeba.
"The
generosity and structure of my Baryshnikov Arts Center residency led to
a highly generative and deeply focused creative period during which I
was able to make significant strides in the development of my ongoing
projects," reflects Somi. "I am thankful for the good and necessary
space-making work of BAC. It speaks volumes about the legacy,
generosity, and vision of Mikhail Baryshnikov and his Center."
The residency came after Somi garnered critical acclaim for her chart-topping 2014 album The Lagos Music Salon
(Sony/OKeh), which was inspired by an 18-month sabbatical in Lagos,
Nigeria and featured special guests Angelique Kidjo, Common and Ambrose
Akinmusire.
Performance & Ticket Info:
Somi
September 27, 2016 / Tuesday at 8PM
Baryshnikov Arts Center
Jerome Robbins Theater, 450 W. 37th St., NYC 10018
Tickets: $25
Born in Illinois to immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda, the African and jazz legacies are always crucial to her sound. As a TED Senior Fellow
and also founder of the New Africa Live, a nonprofit dedicated to
celebrating the best contemporary African Artists working in
performance, visual and literary arts, Somi has for the last decade
carved out a career of singing and being an activist. She has also been
honored for her activism and connection to African art, being invited to
perform at the United Nations by Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon, invited
to perform at Carnegie Hall (alongside her longtime mentor Hugh
Masekela as well as Dave Matthews and Vusi Mahlesela in celebration of
20 years of South African democracy), and a headline performance at the
National Museum of African Art's (Smithsonian Institution) 50th Anniversary Gala, among others.
About Baryshnikov Arts Center:
BAC
is the realization of a long-held vision by artistic director Mikhail
Baryshnikov to build an arts center in Manhattan that would serve as a
gathering place for artists from all disciplines. BAC's opening in 2005
heralded the launch of this mission, establishing a thriving creative
laboratory and performance space for artists from around the world.
BAC's activities encompass a robust residency program augmented by a
range of professional services, including commissions of new work, as
well as the presentation of performances by artists at varying stages of
their careers. In tandem with its commitment to supporting artists, BAC
is dedicated to building audiences for the arts by presenting
contemporary, innovative work at affordable ticket prices.
For more information on Somi, please visit: somimusic.com
For more information of Baryshnikov Arts Center, please visit: bacnyc.org
For media information, please contact:
DL Media · 610-667-0501
Public Relations For The Preferred Artist
