Soulful singers Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves and ... - Strathmore

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Fila
(301) 581-5194
mfila@strathmore.org
Strathmore Presents
SING THE TRUTH: ANGELIQUE KIDJO, DIANNE REEVES AND LIZZ WRIGHT
Diva trifecta continues legacies of Miriam Makeba, Abbey Lincoln, Odetta and others in stellar tribute
NORTH BETHESDA, MD – Soulful singers Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves and Lizz Wright
reunite on stage at Strathmore for an evening of searing, impassioned tribute to the music and
spirit of great women of jazz, R&B, gospel and the blues in Sing the Truth, on Tuesday, January
22, 2013 at 8 p.m. The trio crafted a concert around recently departed legends Miriam Makeba,
Abbey Lincoln and Odetta, with iconic songs by other musical heroines including Billie Holiday,
Lauryn Hill, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman and Tina Turner, along with selections of their own
original songs. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or visit
www.strathmore.org.
Sing The Truth originated as JVC Jazz Festival concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall in
2004 celebrating the music of Nina Simon. In 2008, Sing The Truth was taken internationally,
touring to such venues as the Barbican Centre in London, Jazz a Vienne in France, the Hong
Kong Arts Festival and the Sydney Opera House. For 2012, chanteuses Kidjo, Reeves and
Wright have reimagined Sing the Truth, expanding the repertoire to include trailblazers, legends,
personal heroes and innovators in jazz, folk, R&B, gospel and the blues.
Born in Benin (West Africa), Grammy-winning Angelique Kidjo has been deemed "Africa's
premier diva" by Time Magazine. Kidjo's internationally acclaimed repertoire includes collaborations
with artists such as Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban, Branford Marsalis and Joss
Stone. Known for her dynamic and uplifting music, she has translated her distinctive work in the arts to
that of philanthropy, by promoting education for girls in Africa through her foundation, Batonga and as a
UNICEF Goodwill ambassador.
Regarded as a superior jazz interpreter and a skilled scat singer, Dianne Reeves received the
Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings, a Grammy first in any vocal
category. Reeves appeared in George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck, the Academy Award

nominated film that chronicles Edward R. Murrow’s confrontation with Senator Joseph McCarthy. The
soundtrack of Good Night, and Good Luck provided Reeves her fourth Best Jazz Vocal Grammy in 2006.
Reeves has recorded and performed extensively with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz
Orchestra. Reeves was the first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the first
singer to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall. Her latest album is When You Know.
Blending gospel and jazz, vocalist Lizz Wright has forged a career blending sacred music and
gospel with more mainstream, contemporary music, drawing friom the catalogues of Jimi Hendrix, Eric
Clapton, Gladys Knight and indie rocker Joan Wasser to create a “gospel of eclecticism.” Born in Georgia
and brought up in the Pentecostal church, Wright began experiencing and experimenting with popular
music as a teenager living in Atlanta. Often compared to Norah Jones, the critically acclaimed Wright has
released four albums since signing with Verve records in 2002, the most of recent of which is Fellowship.
About Strathmore
Strathmore presents and produces exemplary visual and performing arts programs for diverse audiences;
creates dynamic arts education experiences; and nurtures creative ideas and conversations that advance
the future of the arts. The hallmark of the arts center is the Music Center at Strathmore, a 1,976-seat
concert hall and education complex. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane
in North Bethesda, MD, one half-mile north of the Capital Beltway and immediately adjacent to the
Grosvenor-Strathmore station on Metro’s Red Line. For those attending a ticketed performance at the
Music Center at Strathmore, parking in the Metro garage is complimentary with your ticket.
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Strathmore is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural
community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, MSAC provides financial
support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.
Strathmore is also supported in part by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.
Strathmore Presents
Sing the Truth: Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves and Lizz Wright
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
8:00 p.m.
Tickets $38-$78 (Stars Price $70.20-$34.20)
Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852
For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.strathmore.org or call (301) 581-5100.