BWW Previews: Fusion Network II Brings Variety to the Evergreen Theatre

As educators, entertainers, writers and activists, Tim and Dee Dotson are known for having their fingers on the pulse of Memphis' urban arts scene.

Now, Inner City South (ICS), their company that brought us last year's smash hit, Guilt Lies and Lust II, is back at the Evergreen Theatre with more innovation and energy: Fusion Network II.

Though unlike any live show today, the closest comparison to this tour de force might be the 1990's TV Variety show, "In Living Color."

The Fusion Network was created as a way to merge performers from various genres to one stage, to cross promote, showcase the power of collaboration, and highlight local business and artistic endeavors. Most of the performers invited to appear in this show are native Memphians.

"This show is unique," Tim Dotson explains. "Because we retool and remix the artists established music to include other members of the cast. Plus the show is done in a theatre setting but it has a concert feel."

Their ultimate goal is to create artist collective they call "We the Artist" that will address the social, educational and economic needs of community.

In addition to the spoken acclaimed spoken word duo, Inner City South, Fusion Network II's cast will feature: an all female tap-dance group The Hot Foot Honeys, Poetry/Comedy from Hardface Soulful Sounds from vocalists Deneka and Kween Jasira, Real hip hop from the high energy emcee Knowledge Nick, all pulled together with skits and live instrumentation.

Inner City South aims to raise the profile and support for creative solutions toward youth education, community pride and job creation.

If you want to be on speaking terms with the heart of our city, this is the place to be!

The Fusion Network II will be onstage:
Friday, Feb. 6th and

Saturday, Feb. 7th at 8:00 pm

and Sunday, Feb. 8th at 3:00 pm
at the Evergreen Theatre
1705 Poplar Avenue.

Individual Ticket $17
Two tickets $30

Best to buy your tickets in advance as all of Inner City South's performances of last year's "Guilt Lies and Lust II" sold out quickly.

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