Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.—On Dec. 12 an international coalition of performing arts presenters invites viewers to join Sweet Honey in the Rock’s “Celebrating the Holy Days.” Audience members will stream the live concert and turn on their cameras to “be seen” by Sweet Honey in the Rock and by one another in the audience.
Next Stage Arts, the Putney-based arts and cultural center was selected as one of the founding presenting organizations to present the concert alongside Third Row Live. “While streaming isn’t new during Covid, what Third Row is doing is new,” said Kyle Homstead, co-founder of Third Row Live. “We’re crowd sourcing our partners, inviting them into the revenue sharing, we’re working with high-caliber artists, and we’re presenting HD audio and video quality streaming at a world-class venue like The Academy of Music. Sweet Honey in the Rock is the perfect group to bring such a diverse audience together, and we’re proud to have Next Stage Arts as a partner at the ground floor.”
Washington, D.C.-based, African-American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, is “Celebrating the Holy Days.” With five-part harmonies and sign language interpretation, Sweet Honey’s sound ranges from African to blues to gospel and jazz. “Celebrating the Holy Days” offers a rare fusion of traditional American holiday spiritual songs and hymns, as well as songs from other cultures and religions ranging from Africa to Israel. The three-time Grammy Award-nominated and internationally renowned group will also perform songs from the group’s extensive repertoire, which includes “We Are,” “Let There Be Peace,” “The Women Gather,” and “Come Ye.”
Since 1973, Sweet Honey has empowered and inspired with songs about a range of social issues, blending messages with gorgeous artistry to stir the mind and the soul.
Sweet Honey members include Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, and featured musician Romeir Mendez on upright acoustic bass and electric bass.
“During the holy day season, in this Covid pandemic, we want to offer music and messages that will help to heal the spirit. From Diwali (the festival of lights) to Three Kings Day, we will celebrate this special time of year. Wishing all a blessed, inspired and beautiful holy days season” – Carol Maillard, Founding Member (Sweet Honey In the Rock.)
To stream this concert, visit nextstagearts.org. Tickets are $15. For more information call 802-387-0102.
