Black Music Matters: Sweet Honey in the Rock and Cornel West February 1, 2007

The Sovereign Music Series at Berklee soars to a new level of spirit, rhythm and discourse with Black Music Matters, a program featuring GRAMMY Award-winning sextet Sweet Honey in the Rock, distinguished scholar and author Cornel West, and Berklee student gospel ensemble Overjoyed. This dynamic concert-talk will mine the rich subject matter of Black music past and present and weave the discussion with soul and lyrics to produce a gem unlike any other combination. Feast on voices with a message served accapella, full of heart and intellect in the tradition of black history that embody why Black Music Matters from Berklee’s Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, Thursday, February 1, at 8:15 p.m. General admission tickets are $25; seniors $18.75. Tickets are available at the Berklee box office or through Ticketmaster at 617-931-2000 or www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call 617-747-2261 or visit www.berkleebpc.com

Renowned ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock will celebrate 34 years together in 2007, vocalizing the wide spectrum of melodies that encompass Black music. This performance will be no exception with the possible delivery of blues, spirituals, reggae, African chants and ancient lullabies. These talented women will lift their voices in rich, complex harmonies sure to demonstrate why Black Music Matters.

Dr. West, a graduate of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, has published 17 books and his major best seller Race Matters sold more than 400,000 copies. He is known for his provocative approach to the topics of culture, religion, politics, and music, and was influential in developing the popular Matrix trilogy film storyline. West will begin the evening, with turntable accompaniment, by addressing the issue of Black Music in culture, its impact globally and the importance of its study.

The Sovereign Bank Music Series at Berklee is an exciting eight-concert series, featuring jazz, Latin, rock, r&b, folk and other music styles. Berklee is pleased to welcome Borders as the supporting sponsor of the series. Concert series performances will include a Stevie Wonder tribute, an International Night with music from around the globe, and the extremely popular.

Official Website: http://berklee.edu