Over the last 17 days (culminating with last night’s thrilling Team Canada hockey victory), we’ve been entranced and enthralled with the passion, the power, the achievements and the emotional range of the Olympic Games. Regardless of how you feel about the Olympics, the athletes continue to inspire us through their hard work, dedication, and their ability to rise to the occasion.
Vancouver was also the hub of the Cultural Olympiad where some of our finest artists from across the country showcased the breadth and depth of Canada’s cultural sector. I am also passionate about showcasing our great artists – especially the ones who sometimes fly under the mainstream media’s radar. Much of my work is about bringing my colleagues to the attention of the general public; this is largely why I created The Sistahs Project.
You may or may not be aware that Canada has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Black female singers. Some of that talent will be on display Wednesday at the fabulous new Koerner Hall. I have brought together eight of the country’s best female singers for one extraordinary night of music: Molly Johnson, Jackie Richardson, Divine Brown, Shakura S’aida, Alana Bridgewater, Toya Alexis, Sacha Williamson and Ada Lee. These women span an age range of more than 50 years from the youngest to the eldest but they all share a common cultural and artistic lineage – one that is not well known, but is nevertheless intensely powerful.
Let me tell you, without question, that these women will move you as much as any sporting event. They are not “divas” – that word doesn’t begin to speak to the marvelous inter-connections that exist in this octet. These Sistahs reach deeply into the soul, through their words, music and interaction. Hearing them sing together is, for some, a life-changing experience.
The Sistahs Project debuted last fall at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts with a concert that practically caused a riot! We’re bringing it back this week so that more people can experience its power. I certainly hope you’ll be in the audience. Now that the Games are over, I encourage you to come and hear these women with stadium-sized voices; I also encourage you to help keep the spotlight on our great Canadian artistic talent.
WHERE/WHEN: The Sistahs Project at Koerner Hall (273 Bloor Street West, 416.408.2824), Wednesday, March 3 at 8 pm; Tickets $49.50 and $59.50.
Andrew Craig, above left, is a musician, producer, arranger, director, CBC broadcaster and impresario based in Toronto.
Photos courtesy of Bill King
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Wow, this sounds like a helluva show! And not too many tickets left by the looks of things. Thanks for the heads up.