Ysaye M. Barnwell
A member of the vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock will lead a Friday evening session of singing songs from African and African-American traditions, a press release said.
The songs will be led by Ysaye M. Barnwell, a composer, arranger, author, and actress who has performed on more than 25 recordings with Sweet Honey in the Rock as well as with other artists.
“Everyone who attends will share the common experience of learning in the oral tradition and singing rhythms, chants, traditional songs from Africa, and a variety of songs from African-American culture,” the press release said. “All are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Come and be moved by the power of the music and community.”
The session starts at 7 p.m. Friday at the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church. Tickets are $15, with a $3 discount for seniors and students with identification. They may be purchased at the door or by calling ORUUC at (865) 483-6761. There is a $0.50 per ticket service fee for credit card purchases.
The press release said Barnwell is a vocalist with a range of over three octaves. She sings in the African-American tradition, which uses oral tradition, an African world view, and African-American history, values, and cultural and vocal traditions to build communities of song among singers and non-singers alike. Her pedagogy is highly respected among musicians, educators, health workers, activists, organizers, and members of the corporate and nonprofit sectors, the press release said.
Trained as a violinist for 15 years beginning at the age of 2 1/2, she holds degrees in speech pathology cranio-facial studies and public health, the release said. She was a professor at Howard University College of Dentistry for more than a decade.
For more information about Saturday’s event, call the ORUUC office at (865) 483-6761.
The church is located at 1500 Oak Ridge Turnpike.
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