Nona Hendryx and More Set for FOREWORDS at SummerStage, 7/3

On Wednesday, July 3, 2013, SummerStage presents "Forewords", a tribute to Sekou Sundiata: A Conversation and Poetry Reading with members of THE NUYORICAN POETS CAFE. $15 at Central Park, Manhattan. Showtime: 5:00pm - 6:00pm.

SummerStage presents Forewords, a panel discussion series co-curated with The Strand Bookstore. Forewords is a great way to help support SummerStage's free programming and to get an inside look into the minds of the artists you love. Tickets to Forewords are available on a first come, first served basis at the Central Park Rumsey Playfield location on the day of the show at our guest and press check-in table. Please arrive to buy tickets approximately one half hour prior to the scheduled start time; advance ticket purchases not necessary or available. All panel discussions will take place in the pergola area. Ticket price covers admittance to the panel and a reserved seat in the bleacher area for the artist pertinent performance to follow. Tickets to this Forewords will include bleacher seats to the Sekou Sundiata Tribute show following.

Wednesday July 3, 2013

longstoryshort: Remixed - A Tribute to SEKOU SUNDIATA with
Nona Hendryx

SANDRA ST. VICTOR

TOSHI REAGON AND BIGLOVELY

Featuring readings by noted poets Faybiene Miranda and Lenelle Moise

Part of Blink Your Eyes: Sekou Sundiata Revisited

SummerStage presented by AT&T

FREE SHOW at Central Park, Manhattan

Recommended Arrival Time: 6:00pm

Showtime: 7:00 PM - 10:00PM

Presented as part of Blink Your Eyes: Sekou Sundiata Revisited, a seven-month, citywide retrospective featuring theater, poetry, music concerts and humanities events curated and produced by MAPP International Productions through a major partnership of 17 cultural and educational institutions. Sekou Sundiata was a prolific New York City poet, performer and teacher who articulated a keen observation of sociopolitical issues and deftly wove them into the body of his work. Known to frequently collaborate with and be inspired by dynamic women throughout his career, SummerStage's longstoryshort: Remixed part of the city-wide Blink Your Eyes: Sekou Sundiata Revisited retrospective curated and produced by MAPP International Productions, celebrates his idea of the influential female muse through the performances of three commanding female artists: Nona Hendryx, Sandra St. Victor and Toshi Reagon, all known for their powerful voices as well as their socially relevant lyrics. These artists will perform their own work as well as selections from Sundiata's last CD, longstoryshort. The show will also be punctuated throughout with performances from cutting edge poets performing some of Sundiata's classic works and new pieces inspired by his artistic legacy. A video tribute from Ani DiFranco, who credits Sundiata as a mentor and invited him to record on her label, completes the program.

Blink Your Eyes: Sekou Sundiata Revisited Website: http://www.sekousundiata.org

Nona Hendryx's legendary career spans six decades of sound and style evolution. Longtime Hendryx fans know her as one of the founding members of the Doo-Wop girl group, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles. When the British invasion of Rock & Roll took over, the Bluebelles grew afros and reinvented themselves as the iconic Funk group, Labelle, which racked up three gold albums and a #1 worldwide platinum hit with the single, "Lady Marmalade" before disbanding in 1977. Hendryx fans would welcome the split, as she embarked upon an impressive solo career, spanning eight albums, several top ten hits and a GRAMMY nomination. Her albums remained edgy; provocative and full of double entendres, with hits including "Bustin' Out" and "Why Should I Cry?".In 2012, Hendryx released Mutatis Mutandis, a CD that has both politically and socially relevant lyrics wrapped in funky grooves, soulful vocals, and driven by rock charged rhythms.

Artist Website: http://www.nonahendryx.com

Recognized for her multi-faceted artistry and vocal prowess, singer-songwriterSandra St. Victor has been captivating audiences with her fusion of R&B, Rock, Gospel and Jazz for over two decades. First as a member of the innovative trio, The Family Stand, who's 1990 release, Chain included the international hit, "Ghetto Heaven;" then as a solo soulstress via her albums, Mack Diva Saves The World and Gemini: Both Sides. As a songwriter, St. Victor has co-written with the best, including Prince, Chaka Khan and The Temptations, earning her 2 GRAMMY Nominations. Via timeless songwriting, moving performances and a heart wrenching duet with Curtis Mayfield released on his final recording, New World Order, St. Victor has become established as a barrier-breaking musical trendsetter whose unique artistry puts her in a category of her very own.

Artist Website: http://www.sandrastvictor.com

Toshi Reagon, a singer-songwriter guitarist, has moved audiences of all kinds with her big-hearted, hold-nothing-back approach to Rock, Blues, R&B, Country, Folk, Spirituals and Funk. Reagon is a one-woman celebration of all that's dynamic, progressive and uplifting in American music. The New York Timesdescribed her blend as "...a love of mixing things up...[her] vocal style ranges from a dirty blues moan to a gospel shout to an ethereal croon." Her live performances, in particular, aren't just accessible; they're irresistible. Some of Reagon's proudest accomplishments include playing at Madison Square Garden, and the White House in front of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Reagon was also one of several women honored by the National Women's History Project for "amazing intelligence, talent, courage and tenacity [that testify] to the myriad ways that generations of women have moved history forward."

Artist Website: http://www.toshireagon.com

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City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We work in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Our programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.

SummerStage reminds our patrons that in the interest of public safety the following items cannot be brought into the Central Park venue: glass bottles, cans, coolers, folding chairs, bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, beach umbrellas, video cameras, tape recorders, professional camera gear or pets. All bags are subject to search. Bringing alcoholic beverages into any NYC park is forbidden and the distribution or sale of unauthorized promotional materials is not allowed. Beer and wine are on sale at the Central Park venue for on­site consumption only.