A busy day today, the climax of a busy week! Tonight is drenched with music: First a performance with my wonderful band, The Tracie Morris Band, with Marvin Sewell and ambient sound artist Priest from the wonder group Anti-Pop Consortium. Kicking off the evening will be poet Tyehimba Jess. Then I'm running into Manhattan for a divine evening of experimental jazz and poetry for the Dizzy Gillespie Memorial Fund. An extraordinarily line of of performers too long to list. Host is the legendary Bill Cosby! He was the very first "spoken word" performer I became familiar with as a kid. Those comedy albums are still amazing! He's also a musician, actor and scholar... Great. Now Ive managed to intimidate myself some more. Check out my home page for details and links on tonight's shows! Hope to see you tonight!
The commemoration was very touching and somber. It taught me a lot about how long and differently people process grief and seek closure. A beautiful, moving day with elected officials, community voices, writers, music and parishioners. Very moving.
Prepping for the commemoration of 9/11 for the "Sanctuary Still" gathering in Brooklyn Heights at St. Ann's Church. I haven't read in the church in many, many years and had forgotten how breathtaking it is. Being in the sanctuary almost shocks one into silence with it's age, history, spirit and extraordinary design. After visiting the church, I met with my collaborator for the event, guitarist extraordinaire, Marvin Sewell (http://marvinsewell.com/): A very nice guy, excellent musician and a very smart, yet low-key person. We've performed in a few venues around the country and he's great to be on the road with. Marvin and I have been working together for about 18 years on various iterations of my band(s). He's been able to play any sort of music or vague concept I've suggested to him and made the sounds work. It'll be wonderful to share the stage with him this week on the 9/11 event and for the gig with my band on Thursday, 9/15. 