Date and Time: Thu, September 14, 2017 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM PST |
Michaela Harrison performing her original song, The Healing Room, with Joy Clark, guitar; Amina Scott, bass & Monica McIntyre, cello. Video by Karron Lane, BigEasyDuJour. Cafe Istanbul, New Orleans, June 2016.
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Michaela Harrison
Michaela A. Harrison is a New Orleans-based vocalist who has performed nationally and internationally in theatrical productions, with various bands and musical collectives and with the all-female trio Mother Tongue. Since the disbanding of Mother Tongue in 2008, Michaela has established an ever-growing following as a solo artist at local venues such as Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club, where she is featured weekly during Sunday brunch, the Juju Bag Cafe, where she sings on Friday evenings, Kermit Ruffins’ bar, Sidney’s Saloon, and Ash Cultural Arts Center, where she performs regularly and leads a monthly community sing. While comfortable with a full band, a choir or an orchestra, Michaela often sings with a guitar as her only accompaniment, working regularly with Brazilian virtuoso Marcio Pereira and local favorite Todd Duke.
Michaela began singing in the Baptist church at age 5. Her musical style incorporates her gospel roots as well as a diverse range of genres including jazz, blues, R & B, soul, samba, MPB and African traditional music. As a protege of Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of Sweet Honey In The Rock, Michaela is well-versed in spirituals, work songs, and African American protest music from the Civil Rights era. With a four-octave range and a vocal quality that runs the gamut from pristine sweetness to fiercely powerful belting, Michaela has often been compared to such greats as Minnie Riperton and Mahalia Jackson, though she maintains a signature style that distinguishes her voice as easily recognizable no matter what she is singing. Her soulful, heartfelt delivery of both covers and original music has often moved audiences to tears. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Service and a Master’s in Africana Studies, Michaela has also studied and lived in East Africa and Brazil. Fluent in French and Portuguese, and familiar with Spanish and Swahili, Michaela has an expanded repertoire of world music and renders songs in their original language. She infuses her performances with insightful commentary based on her multi-cultural perspective, simultaneously uplifting and educating audiences. Michaela has performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on several occasions, with John Boutte, Kermit Ruffins, Bill Summers, Percussion, Inc. and Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Ensemble, as well as at the Essence Festival with Mother Tongue. She has also sung at venues in Washington, DC, New York, Atlanta and California. International performances have included festivals, clubs and private events in Brazil, Jamaica, France, Germany, Italy, England, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Since 2008, she has appeared in three theatrical productions: Rent at Le Petit Theatre in the French Quarter, The Women of Brewster Place at Anthony Bean Theater and Swimming Upstream, which recently played to packed houses at The Mahalia Jackson Theatre in New Orleans and the Apollo in Harlem. She has recorded with members of Sweet Honey in the Rock, Bill Summers/Los Hombres Calientes and, most recently, Kermit Ruffins. She and Kermit perform the classic duet “Baby It’s Cold Outside” on his 2009 Christmas CD, “Have A Crazy Cool Christmas,” which attracted nationwide acclaim. Michaela’s first “solo” CD, “Love’s Divine,” was released July 1, 2010. http://fqfi.org/frenchquarter/artists/detail/212/Michaela-Harrison Joy Clark
Clark started playing guitar as a teenager. Playing the music of Tracy Chapman before it was hip and cool on Youtube. Clark says “most kids would ask me why I was playing the guitar.”
Joy grew up with a strong foundation in the church and family. Home schooled with the rest of her siblings, Joy is often teased by the rest of the band for being so “normal” in spite of. As one of the younger members of the group, Joy can’t help but be adored and treated like one of the ‘lil sisters in the band. But when she opens up onstage and solos, you will forget most of that. Joy’s incredible musicianship makes her a big part of what makes the Soulkestra click. “I call her my quarterback,” Dillon shares. “I can always count on Joy to give it her all and show up when I need her.” Joy maintains a large following on her Youtube channel where she covers popular artists and music that inspires her. http://thesoulkestra.com/about/about-joy-clark Monica McIntyre
Monica 'Spirit' McIntyre (gender pronouns: Spirit, they, them, or theirs) is a Cellist, Vocalist, Lyricist, Wellness Advocate, Sound Healer, Reiki Practitioner, Dancer and Visual Artist -- promoting empowerment and healing by any medium necessary. Spirit believes in the power of breath, creating intentional artistic relationships, honoring lovability, being seen/seeing, and growing compassionately through tight places to find authentic expansion. Healing affirmations, meticulous storytelling, and metaphor saturate their lyrics. They use their voice and cello to seamlessly blend: Blues, Soul, Folk, Classical, Reggae and Middle Eastern sounds into an unforgettable musical landscape.
Witnessing Monica perform is an enthralling experience and before you know it you will be swaying or stomping your feet. The smoky texture and emotional quality of Spirit's voice has left audiences crying, dancing, laughing and testifying. Living in Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love, immersed them in a serous education of: Funk, Soul, R & B, Jazz, and World Music. In October 2003 they self-released their debut album 'Blusolaz' -- a collection of original songs which fused: Blues, Soul and Jazz. 'Bars of Gold', Spirit's first single, was self-released in August 2005. In November 2010 Monica relocated to New Orleans, LA and became immediately involved in its thriving local music scene. Joining forces with singer-songwriters Lynn Drury and Margie Perez to form, The Honeypots, an acoustic genre blending group. Their debut album 'Something Sweet' was released in April 2012 on the ThreadHead Record label and was nominated for The 2013 New Orleans Best Of The Beat Awards. They have been featured performers at the French Quarter Fest (LA) 2013, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (LA) 2013, and The Creole Tomato Festival (LA) 2014. Additionally, Monica has featured at numerous events and venues throughout the world most notably: Soul Sista's Jukejoint (GA) 2005, The 215 Festival (PA) 2005, Sistahood Celebration (Vancouver) 2008, The Philadelphia Fringe Festival (PA) 2008 & 2009, The Black Women's Art Festival (PA) 2009, Sisterspace (MD) 2009, Ladyfest New Orleans (LA) 2010 & 2011, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (LA) 2013, and The French Quarter Fest (LA) 2013. Most recently Monica was a featured artist on the online International music show "Balcony TV". In September 2013 Monica self-released their sophmore album 'It Soon Come', produced by John Chelew, featuring: Marcia McIntyre (violin/vocals), Thea Bashful (vocals), Reggina Thompson (oboe), and Mike Jacobsen (percussion). In December 2014 they self-released their third full-length album 'Mourning To The Moonlight'. "I gave away my sorrow to the sunshine, I'm free again" -- 'Mourning To The Moonlight', Monica McIntyre http://monicamcintyremusic.com/ |