This past October, we were in residency at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, in prep for our upcoming performances this fall and spring. Essentially, we are learning a brand new show to take on tour this upcoming season. Here’s a sneak peek of one of our newest additions by Margaret Bonds…

In addition to feeling honored and grateful to be a component of a larger collective, we performed at the screening of “The Harlem Hellfighters” and pictured in the middle is Mr. Nobel Sissle, Jr. (son of 396th Drum Major and composer Nobel Sissle).

We are truly standing on the shoulders of giants that did so much for this Country and yet, some people still don’t know…or even care, which is sad.

Step up, hear the call, carry the charge, and do your research!

One of the most incredible things about doing these festivals is that your always surrounded by an abundance of musicians and at any minute, you might be asked to perform with an ensemble. Here, I was asked to perform with this wonderful string quartet on a rendition of “It’ Ain’t Necessarily So.”

At the end of the week, we performed at a SOLD OUT performance at Kilburn Hall and it was an experience to say the least. From performing pieces/marches played by the Harlem Hell-Fighters written by James Reese Europe, to Music set to Poetry reading by Margaret Bonds, to an immersive video to music by George Walkers and original compositions by Herb Smith…needless to say, we had a time and a time was had!