Songs of Freedom

Abbey Lincoln, Joni Mitchell, and Nina Simone each shaped the music and culture of the 1960s through their artistry. Lincoln’s lyricism freely expressed her identity and activism, Mitchell’s songs mined the freedom of love and social ideals, and Nina Simone soulfully demanded personal and political freedoms through her work. Grammy Award-winning drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. leads a simmering jazz ensemble and trio of fabulous featured vocalists including the luscious versatility of classically trained jazz artist Alicia Olatuja, the sophisticated stylings of Grammy Award-nominated Theo Bleckmann, and the silky, warm singing of German-Zimbabwean singer Joanna Majoko, in a celebration of the exceptional impact and vast repertoire of three musical changemakers.

This performance will run approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.