The Music and Times of Nina Simone
«The homage is a joyous celebration of an internationally known icon. There’s only one Nina– like there’s only one Billie Holiday or one Aretha– and she was a politically aware, off-the-hook genius whose music is just amazing.» -Valerie Stephens
Nina Simone was an activist, pianist, singer, and composer renowned for her thrilling live performances. She was a child prodigy who trained as a classical pianist at Julliard. Later, she became one of the most well-known & revered members of Civil Rights Movement daring to tackle difficult political issues through her music.
Stephens originally created The Music and Times of Nina Simone for JazzWeek 2007, she chose to honor and celebrate Nina Simone in order to challenge herself as a performer–«her music makes you pull out all the stops!»– and to expose a wider audience to the music of this all-too-little performed icon. The homage enjoyed a great opening run: it was among the most popular of shows performed at the Piano Theatre during Jazz Week and sparked myriad levels of fascination for audience members of all ages. Stephens also presented Music and Times to an audience of 1,000 people at First Night 2007 to rave reviews.
Since then the homage has continued to evolve incorporating elements of historical background through storytelling and several new pieces. Stephens doesn’t shy away from the most emotionally and politically charged of Simone’s repertoire and shares her view of the responsibility of the artist: «to create and report on their times». New additions to the set list include Pirate Jenny, Sinnerman, and Westwind. Audience members can also anticipate some new takes on classics including a Caribbean version of Young, Gifted, and Black.
What else to expect?
From Valerie Stephens: «I want people to walk away with a sense of joy, an appreciation for the beauty and genius of this woman, and to feel a renewed commitment to the creative spirit within themselves.»
Be sure to get your tickets in advance!
Email: tickets@foresthillstrust.org
with «Nina Simone Tribute Tickets» in the title of the email
Telephone: Amber Vistein at: 617.524.3354.
Tickets are $15 General Admission /$12 Members
