Ulysses Owens Jr., music director and drums
J’Nai Bridges, vocal
David Rosenthal, guitar
Carol Robbins, harp
Jalen Baker, vibraphone
Ted Rosenthal, piano
Reuben Rogers, bass
This collaboration between prolific opera superstar J’Nai Bridges, and Grammy Award-winning drummer, music director, and educator, Ulysses Owens Jr. is a musical journey exploring the idea of hope rooted in the deep relationship between the voice and the drum. The program will highlight music tied to the African American experience, with works by Debussy, Ellington, Ravel, Geri Allen, spirituals, and original work from Bridges and Owens. With inspiration drawn from writers such as Lucille Clifton, Audrey Lorde, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison, Notes on Hope is a thoughtful, melodic program featuring a full band (piano, guitar, bass and vibraphone) that provokes reflection and will leave audiences hopeful and excited about a future world that is reflective of unity, and jubilation.
