Multi-genre recording artist Damien Sneed brings his brand of classical, jazz, and gospel music to Kent with, “We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
The show is part of Kent’s Spotlight Series at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St.
Inspired by the words and action of King, “We Shall Overcome” showcases repertoire from across the African American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders with interwoven spoken word from King’s recorded speeches.
Sneed’s career covers an incredible breadth of genres. He has collaborated with and conducted major original works for Wynton Marsalis, regularly accompanies Jessye Norman, has collaborated with Lawrence Brownlee, and has toured extensively with Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and the Clark Sisters.
Part of a 36-city North American tour, this production ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, classical, jazz, Broadway and spirituals. From Franklin to Marsalis; Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder; and Nina Simone to Donny Hathaway; Sneed’s understanding of each genre allows him to fluidly cover so much musical ground in a single concert.
Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and $15 for youths. Tickets may be purchased online at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Box office is closed on Sunday.
Spotlight Series is presented by the Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and partially funded by 4Culture and a variety of business and individual sponsors. Partial Funding for “We Shall Overcome” comes from WESTAF, National Endowment for the Arts, and Washington State Arts Commission.
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