FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karin Venegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049
Sandra Tharas, sandra@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7068
Live from the Stage at Flushing Town Hall: "Songbirds" Tribute to Conclude Jazz-Packed Women's History Month
—The Mala Waldron Quartet to perform music of Minnie Riperton, Shirley Horn and Joni Mitchell for a virtual audience—
—Tickets for the online performance are available for purchase. Donations are appreciated to support the cultural nonprofit and its artists at flushingtownhall.org—
(Flushing, N.Y.)—This March, Flushing Town Hall raises the virtual curtain on a series of amazing jazz performances in celebration of Women’s History Month from its own stage and with co-presented programs from Baltimore and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Flushing Town Hall has a long history of presenting strong jazz programming and has expanded its audience across the globe through virtual programming since the pandemic closed its doors one year ago. Although audiences are still not permitted into the beautiful theatre local performers are now slowly returning back on stage for live-streamed performances. The cultural nonprofit also has increased its collaboration with other performance venues to bring additional programming to its fans.
To conclude Women’s History Month, Flushing Town Hall is presenting “Songbirds”—A Virtual Tribute to Minnie Riperton, Shirley Horn, and Joni Mitchell by the Mala Waldron Quartet on March 26 at 7:00 PM (ET).
The Mala Waldron Quartet, featuring Mala Waldron—a pianist and vocalist with amazing technical alacrity and sensitivity, and daughter of Jazz Icon Mal Waldron—with Steve Salerno (guitar), Michael T.A. Thompson (drums) and Gene Torres (bass), will perform "Songbirds"—a beautiful journey into a not-so-distant past made popular by Minnie Riperton, Shirley Horn and Joni Mitchell, filled with memorable music and song. Mala has performed all over the world at prestigious music festivals including in Belgium, Russia, Belarus & China, Taiwan and Malaysia. She has performed on some of NYC's most prestigious stages, including the Iridium Jazz Club, the Blue Note, and the Jazz Standard, and at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.
The concert will be performed and streamed live from Flushing Town Hall’s theatre and can be viewed on Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube channel. Audience members can submit questions at any time during the performance for a live Q&A which will be moderated by Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Producer Clyde Bullard after the show. This performance is ticketed and prior purchase ($5.00, plus a $1.00 convenience fee) is required to view the performance online.
Co-Presenting events from USVI and Baltimore
Flushing Town Hall will co-present two outstanding jazz events in March:
On Friday, March 5, 2021 at 6:00 PM (ET) Flushing Town Hall will be co-streaming the performance of Victor Provost and Alex Brown Quartet live from the St. John School for the Arts in the US Virgin Islands. Victor Provost, one of the world’s leading voices on the unique, and often misunderstood, steelpan, and Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Alex Brown, who is quickly emerging at the forefront of a new generation of artists, co-lead a quartet that marries Jazz sensibilities with Caribbean swagger. Roots rhythms, swing, and soaring improvisations abound and the Trinidadian steelpan takes center stage as the quartet features original compositions alongside the beloved music of Chick Correa, Bob Marley, Vince Mendoza, and more. Audiences can RSVP for free to enjoy this performance on YouTube. Prior to the performance is a Zoom talk with the musicians which requires registration. Both Flushing Town Hall and St. John School for the Arts are selected presenting members of Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Jazz Touring Network.
On March 20, 2021 at 8:00 PM (ET), the cultural nonprofit celebrates Women’s History Month with Songs of Freedom, love and inspiration of the genius women who have shaped music—including Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, Roberta Flack, Abbey Lincoln, Alice Coltrane and more—performed by jazz vocalist Akua Allrich & The Tribe. Flushing Town Hall is a Presenting Partner for this outstanding performance, which will be live-streamed from the Creative Alliance Theater in Baltimore, Maryland. Both Flushing Town Hall and Creative Alliance are selected presenting members of Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Jazz Touring Network. Akua Allrich is a vocalist beyond measure. A musical treasure with a massive stage personality and vocal style that is fluid and ever-evolving, her musical roots run deep into soul, and rhythm and blues, with a clear grounding in jazz and pan-African music. Along with her ensemble, The Tribe, she has received accolades for her annual events honoring the defining female voices of Black music. This performance is ticketed and prior purchase is required to view the performance online.
Monthly Virtual Jazz Jam
Flushing Town Hall’s popular monthly Virtual Jazz Jam: Celebrating the Legacy of Louis Armstrong is supported by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and has been led by Astoria resident Carol Sudhalter. House band members include illustrious musicians such as Joe Vincent Tranchina, Scott Neumann and Eric Lemon, who pay tribute to the great Louis Armstrong, performing songs associated with the legendary trumpeter/vocalist every month.
On Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 7:00 PM (ET), in honor of Women’s History Month and Irish-American Heritage Month, the monthly Jazz Jam will embrace the theme, “Luck be a Lady or Irish!” where participants will perform tunes about luck or by Irish composers.
Musicians interested in participating should email education@flushingtownhall.org with the suggested three- to four-minute tune they intend to play. The performance can be live or a pre-recorded audio or video (but not a professional, edited recording such as a CD or YouTube video). Musicians who previously performed are now welcome to return. Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone is invited to listen and can simply tune in to Flushing Town Hall’s Facebook page or Zoom on Wednesday, March 10 at 7:00 PM (ET) to join the live event for free, without registration.
For Calendar Listings
Friday, March 5, 6:00 PM (ET)
Victor Provost and Alex Brown Quartet
Free
Steelpanist Victor Provost and pianist Alex Brown co-lead a quartet that marries Jazz sensibilities with Caribbean swagger. Roots rhythms, swing, and soaring improvisations abound and the Trinidadian steelpan takes center stage as the quartet features original compositions alongside the beloved music of Chick Correa, Bob Marley, Vince Mendoza, and more.
This program will be streamed on FTH's Facebook page in partnership with St. John School of the Arts.
Wednesday, March 10, 7:00 PM (ET)
Virtual Jazz Jam “Luck be a Lady or Irish! Tunes in celebration of Women’s History Month, tunes about luck, or by Irish composers.”
Free
Flushing Town Hall’s free Virtual Jazz Jam: Celebrating the Legacy of Louis Armstrong invites musicians and jazz aficionados to participate or simply listen during its monthly jam session. In March, musicians will choose songs tunes about luck, or by Irish composers as the historic venue celebrates Women’s History Month with the theme “Luck be a Lady or Irish!”
To watch live, for free tune in to Facebook or Zoom.
To participate, email education@flushingtownhall.org and identify the three- to four-minute tune you intend to play. Only 15 musicians will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Saturday, March 20, 8:00 PM (ET)
Akua Allrich & The Tribe: A Beautiful Disruption - The Genius of Black Women in Music
Cost: $12, $20 supporter (+$3 service fee)
This partnership event is streamed live from the Creative Alliance Theater in Baltimore, Maryland. A Portion of the proceeds your ticket purchase sold go to supporting the mission of Flushing Town Hall.
Tickets are available for purchase online http://bit.ly/AkuaAllrichCA
Friday, March 26, 7:00 PM (ET)
Songbirds with Mala Waldron - A Tribute to Minnie Riperton, Shirley Horn, Joni Mitchell
Cost: $5 (plus a $1 convenience fee)
"SONGBIRDS"- Honoring Minnie Riperton, Shirley Horn and Joni Mitchell in a live-streamed concert from Flushing Town Hall performed by Mala Waldron Quartet, featuring Steve Salerno (guitarist), Michael T.A. Thompson (drummer) and Gene Torres (bass) followed by a Q&A with the musicians.
Flushing Town Hall is excited to announce the launch of its redesigned website: https://www.flushingtownhall.org/. The new website improves access to online events, educational programming, artist services, and rental availabilities. It also features a brand new PRESS ROOM with the latest press releases and news coverage. As always, it remains a great source for information about the history and mission of the organization, as well as important contact and community engagement information.
Flushing Town Hall’s FTH At Home! virtual programming is presented for free to the general public but donations in any amount are appreciated to support the artists and the nonprofit cultural organization as they continue to provide programming and entertainment across New York and the world.
Flushing Town Hall’s facilities are temporarily closed to the public in accordance with COVID-19 safety regulations. Current programs are being presented virtually.
About Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall (FTH), a Smithsonian affiliate, presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts. As a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), we serve to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. We are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists. We serve one of the most diverse communities in the world and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
Land Acknowledgement:
Flushing Town Hall acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Matinecock People, one of the original tribes of New York, and the first people of Flushing, Queens. The Matinecock continue to live and work on this land to this day. Flushing Town Hall honors their elders who have stewarded this land throughout generations.
COVID-19:
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while our venue remains temporarily closed in accordance with social distancing guidelines, we are proudly presenting performances, exhibitions, panel discussions, and educational activities online through our virtual initiatives, FTH at Home! and Global Arts for Global Kids.
This engagement of Victor Provost and Alex Brown is made possible through the Special Presenter’s Initiative program of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts. Please visit
https://www.stjohnschoolofthearts.org/events-all/provostbrown-quartet for more information.
This program is supported in part by a grant from The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation.
Thanks to the Howard Gilman Foundation, Flushing Town Hall was able to purchase equipment needed to live stream and record from its theatre.
Although we cannot list every donor, Flushing Town Hall is grateful for all gifts received and wishes to thank everyone for their ongoing generosity.
Flushing Town Hall greatly appreciates the supporters of our current campaign, Step Up for Flushing Town Hall, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are able and willing to help, please click here to learn more and donate today. Special thanks to our Step Up Campaign donors with gifts of $100 and above: Karen Argueta, Maria Arias, Henry Assael, Christopher Banks, Barbara Banks Schwam, Beverly Bartow, Geraldine Benfante, Carol Bennett, Seth Bornstein, Larue Brathwaite, Anne Bresnahan, Claire Bullard, Jenna Capeci, Calvin Chan, Dongshin Chang, Christopher Chen, Cecilia Cheng, Amy Chin, Wanda Chin, David Creed, Jacob Eichenbaum, David Fesser, Ellen Fisher-Turk, Karen Fitzgerald, Paul Foster, Emma Frankel, Andrew Garson, Howard Graf (Graf & Lewent Architects), Anat Gerstein, Heather Harrison, Alan Heilbron, Susan Hennessy, Carolee Hildenbrandt, Rhenaye Hornsby, Timothy Hosking, Ming-I Huang, Raymond Jasen, Carmen Jimenez, Andrew Karp, Amir Kassam, Adrienne Kivelson, Bob Kodadek, Saul Kupferberg, Carol Leaf, Stephanie Lee, Anne Lewent, Judith Lewent, Steve Lewent, James Liao, Jeri Lim, Meiling Liu, Stephanie Long, Martha Ma, Frank Macchio, Rob Mackay, Sandra Mann, Pamela Marquez, Steve Marston, William McClure, Steven Mecca, Cynthia Merkle, Chi Mo, Lee Nash, Sandra Nash, Rochelle Nechin, Albert Niu, TeHsing Niu, The Ong Family Foundation, Jessica Peña, Kimberly Phelan, Mary and Oscar Pollock, Ryan Powers, Qi Shu Fang Peking Opera Association, Richard Quatrano, Mira Rubens, Teresa Salles, Jeffrey Schneider, Roslyn Schwersenz, Tina Seligman, Dominique Sellers, Alice Sharp, Thomas Simmons, Mike Sperendi & Jan Schneider, Sheila Sweeney, Jean Tatge, Marsha Toma, Veronica Tsang, WAC Lighting, Tai-nin Wang, Jill Ward, Daryl Ware, David and Elsie Werber, Robert and Karla Wishnick, Edwina and Eldwin Wong, Lucy Wong, Jon Yanofsky, Mimi Yeung.
Flushing Town Hall is a not for profit organization which receives major support from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim; The City of New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Gonzalo Casals; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; The New York City Council, Speaker Corey Johnson, and Council Members Costa Constantinides, Daniel Dromm, Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz, Paul A. Vallone, and Jimmy Van Bramer; and the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, and the Booth Ferris Foundation.
Support for our programs is also provided by Acrobuffos/Seth Bloom & Christina Gelsone, Angela An, Robin Bell-Stevens, Viviana M. Benitez, Dongjiang Bi, Cathay Bank, Douglass Chan, Amy Mak Chan, Calvin W. Chan, Sharon Chen, Ginger Chinn, Dr. Hsing-Lih Chou/New York Institute of Culture and the Arts, Con Edison, Crossings TV, Exploring the Metropolis, Kuang-Yu Fong/Chinese Theatre Works, Barbara Garii, Matthew Goldner, Howard Graf & Kathy Donovan, Guru Krupa Foundation, Lily Han, Heather Harrison, Belinda Pilin Hsu, Alice & Steve Huang, Hung Pin Hung, Investors Foundation, Raymond D. Jasen, the Jim Henson Foundation, Ellen Kodadek, the Laura B. Vogler Foundation, Nelson Lee/Flushing Bank, Janet T. Leow, Anne Lewent, James S. Liao, Emily Lin/Lin & Loveall Foundation, Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Frank Macchio, Materials for the Arts, William McClure/Queens College, Mets Foundation, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, Jassy Z. Min, New York Chinese Chorus, Northwell Health, TeHsing Niu, Carlos Ortiz, Queens Art Education Center/Arthur Liu, Richard Quantaro, Queens Courier, Resorts World, Camillo Reyes, RuDance/Asian American Dance Sport Corp., Dominique Sellers, Helen Shieh, Richard Siu, Curtis Smith, Mike Sperendi & Jan Schneider, Taipei Cultural Center in New York, Michael Tang, Veronica Tsang, Tai & Tony Wang/Glow Foundation, Jay Wegman, Constance Wingate, Lucy Wong, Anna Wu, Minwen Yang, Hank Yeh, Sandy Yeh, Shane Yeh, and Angela Qi Zhang.
We have done our best to recognize donations correctly, but should your recognition be incorrect, please contact Jessica Peña, Director of Development, at jpena@flushingtownhall.org.
For more information:
www.flushingtownhall.org
(718) 463-7700 x222
137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354