“I wanna show that gospel, country, blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll are all just really one thing. Those are the American music and that is the American culture.”
Etta James

Annenberg Center Live continues its multi-year journey celebrating the African diaspora’s unique contributions to American culture. Each year focuses on a different musical genre, exploring its roots and cultural impact. The 16/17 season is all about the blues. As blues great Willie Dixon said, “The blues are the roots. Everything else is the fruit.” Our exploration features soulful sessions with authentic blues artists, each with a heartfelt story to share.

Discover African Roots, American Voices through a diverse selection of performances. Dive deeper into the themes presented on stage through our INSIGHTS program.

Join us on a musical expedition through American culture!

 

African Roots, American Voices Performances

Sep 28 // The Blues Film Series: Feel Like Going Home
Oct 1 // Ladies Sing the Blues
Oct 21 // Terence Blanchard
Oct 22 // Memphis Soul Stew: Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble
Oct 26 // The Blues Film Series: The Road to Memphis
Oct 29 // Liz Vice
Nov 3-5 // Step Afrika!: The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence
Nov 19 // BiRDMAN LiVE: Antonio Sanchez Live Drum Score
Dec 9 // The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass
Jan 28 // Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
Feb 1 // The Blues Film Series: Warming by the Devil's Fire
Feb 11 // Miguel Zenón Quartet
Feb 18 // I Go On Singing: Paul Robeson’s Life in Song
Feb 26 // True Blues: Corey Harris & Eric Bibb
Mar 1 // The Blues Film Series: Red, White & Blues
Mar 24 // Sin & Redemption: Lurrie Bell & The Campbell Brothers
Apr 2 // SFJAZZ Collective
May 6 // Meshell Ndegeocello

Support for the the African Roots, American Voices series provided by Lomax Family Foundation.

 

The African Roots, American Voices series media sponsor is WDAS-FM.