THE BRIDGE 'BRINGING AMERICA TOGETHER' Set for Tonight at LPR

For Black History Month, introducing a new dramatic and musical telling of the African-American experience narrated by Allan Harris and accompanied by a trio of the country's finest musicians. The Bridge 'Bringing America Together' is set for 8:30 PM at (Le) Poisson Rouge, New York, 158 Bleeker St.

Featuring:
• Allan Harris (composer/songwriter/vocalist/guitarist)
• Doug Wimbish (Living Colour and Sugar Hill House bassist)
• Marc Cary (Grammy nominated pianist)
• Daru Jones (drummer Jack White Band)
• Jesse Jones Jr, (saxophone)

After first playing together at Art Deco Festival 2014 (Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend) in Miami Beach, DownBeat Critic's Poll award winner jazz vocalist/guitarist Allan Harris and legendary rock 'n' roll bassist, Living Colour's Doug Wimbish, decided to organize a live show commemorating the Freedom Riders and the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. "The Bridge" is a musical reminder of those who 50 years ago, fought for the Civil Rights that today are so often taken for granted. This show is to enter- tain, educate, and inspire a new generation to "Wake Up" and recognize that their so-called unalienable rights are under serious attack. At a time when the racial, social, and economic divides in our country are widening at an alarming rate, young people must understand that only their participation in the polit- ical process can ensure our freedom, and offer hope that America might once again be United.

Allan Harris - Ever since he burst on the jazz scene in the latter part of the twentieth century, The Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist/guitarist/bandleader/composer Allan Harris has reigned supreme as the most accomplished and exceptional singer of his generation. The ample and aural evidence of Harris' moving and magisterial artistry can be heard on his ten recordings as a leader; his far-flung and critically-ac- claimed concerts around the world, from Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, and Washington DC's Kennedy Center, to the 2012 London Olympics, and his numerous awards, which include the New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Vocalist" - which he won three times - the Backstage Bistro Award for "Ongoing Achievement in Jazz," the Harlem Speaks "Jazz Museum of Harlem Award," and the DownBeat Critic's Poll Award for "Rising Star."

Doug Wimbish - As bassist for the legendary rap label Sugar Hill Records backing Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to the pioneering Living Colour, Doug Wimbish has lent his innovative and creative bass grooves and sounds to a roster of world - renowned musicians. Considered a pioneer in hip hop bass playing and in the use of bass effects, al- ternate tunings and extended hand techniques, Doug's mastery of the bass is unparalleled. For more than 40 years, bass virtuoso Doug Wimbish has been one of the most sought-after electric bassists collaborating with many of the world's best known, and most talented musical artists. including The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Herb Albert, Annie Lennox, Madonna, Carly Simon, Seal, Al Green, Billy Idol, George Clinton, Kanye West and James Brown to name a few. Having participated in the making of so many popular recordings, in every musical style, all around the world, it's hard to find a culture or community that hasn't been exposed to Doug's music.

Marc Cary - Jazz pianist, keyboardist, producer and composer Marc Cary holds tight to his roots in Washington, D.C.'s go-go music scene, but they represent only one element among the myriad. Cary's interests run from Indian classical to Malian music to hip-hop. He started his career working with Betty Carter, a leg- endary vocalist famous for drawing soul and sincerity out of her bands, and went on to work with Roy Hargrove, Dizzy Gillespie, Erykah Badu, Shirley Horn, Stefon Harris, Q-Tip and - most influential of all - Abbey Lincoln.

Daru Jones - Daru Jones is one of the most respected drummers of his generation. Born in Michigan to two profes- sional musicians, he began playing the drums at the age of four. He has recorded, performed, and toured with renowned artists and producers such as: Jack White, Slum Village, Talib Kweli, Black Milk, Salaam Remi, Gloria Gaynor, Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Black Violin, Ski Beatz & The Sensei's, Lorenzo Jovanotti and Jon B (partial list). Alongside these artists, Jones has graced the stages of some of the most revered events in the music industry, including: One Mic: Hip-Hop Culture Worldwide! A 20th an- niversary celebration of Nas debut album Illmatic, the 2013 Grammy Awards, Austin City Limits, Rock The Bells Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Jesse Jones, Jr. - A Miami native, he is a saxophonist extraordinaire and continues to be on the forefront of a burgeoning jazz renaissance in South Florida. Jesse and his brother, Melton Mustafa, who is one of the great trum- pet players of our time has been a running force in music for many years. Jesse Jones Jr. is one of those hidden treasures that you can't help but want to share with the world. Jesse overwhelms you with his infectious positive attitude and dynamic stage presence.

Tickets for this performance are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. (le) Poisson Rouge is located at 158 Bleeker St., New York, NY 10012. For more information, visit www.artdecoweekendmusic.com/the-bridge-live.