Contributing Artists
As an opera singer, I wanted to find a way to integrate the arts in this process, and in turn keep the focus on BIPOC.
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Accompanying the fundraiser, I have asked some of my very talented and generous friends and colleagues to perform and submit pieces that have social justice themes and/or cover a piece by their favorite BIPOC artist. These submissions will be posted on my IGTV (@janiedphotos) through the month of July and are also available below.
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Note: I have asked an intersectional group of artists to participate, but am aiming to keep the focus on BIPOC, while including some people I know to be allies.
If you ever had to question the nature of your reality and were frustrated with what you were forced to deal with. This song is an embodiment of those feelings.
- HOLLISTHEMVRK
Brooklyn-born singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist with a 90s-inspired rap & R&B air HOLLISTHEMVRK (or MVRK) has been sharpening his creative sword on-stage and in the studio since 13. Fellow musicians describe his creative formula as a combination of healing and therapeutic energy that focuses on them and assists them to make the music they want to make versus the music the consumer thinks they should make.
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See more from HOLLISTHEMVRK on instagram (@hollisthemvrk),
Spotify, iTunes, and Apple Music
I will be singing a song by Venezuelan composer Antonio Estévez who dedicated his life to composing classical songs that had indigenous and Afrovenezuelan influences in them. The song I’m choosing is called "Habladurías" and it talks about a perfect land where Black people are happy and are free, where they have their own land. It ends sad but with a smile... saying that this land they talk about is lost in the books of geography.
- Maria Brea
Maria Brea is Venezuelan Soprano based in NYC. She was most recently awarded by HOLA as best musical theater actress.
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See more from Maria on instagram (@maferbrea)
and the artist's website
I have been in love with the sumptuous music of H. Leslie Adams since I first encountered his brilliant song cycle, Nightsongs. His melodies are so vocal and satisfying to sing, particularly against a backdrop of such lush harmony. For You There is No Song is from his collection of songs with poetry by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
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-Bryce McClendon
Bryce McClendon, Countertenor, was a 2019 Eva & Marc Stern Fellow at SongFest in Los Angeles and a 2020 Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions. He holds his M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Michigan. Also a writer, Bryce’s work can be read online at Middleclass Artist.
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See more from Bryce on instagram (@brycemcclendon_ct)
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Malaysian pianist Bernard Tan graduated from the University of MIchigan with a Doctor of Musical Arts in collaborative piano. He is a Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist pianist and coach at LosAngeles Opera for the 2020-21 season.
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See more from Bernard on instagram (@bernardtan_pianist)
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Mia Ibrahim holds a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance and Education from San José State University, as well as a Masters from Teachers College at Columbia University. She works as a music teacher in the South Bronx, where she has started a GSA club for her students. In her free time she volunteers as a lacrosse coach and for the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. She lives in Brooklyn with her partner Chelsea and their dog Charlie.
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See more from Mia on instagram (@mia_not_missing)
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Embracing Oceans is a Los Angeles based duo comprised of Skye Butterfield and Edi Roque. They recently released their single “Monet” and are working towards putting out their first album.
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See more from Embracing Oceans on instagram (@embracing_oceans)
Being an active ally and vocal about Black Lives Matter has never been an option, it was not a choice, it is mandatory. As two people heavily influenced by genres that emerged from Black American Culture, we value and respect All Black Lives and will use all of our resources, skills and privilege to amplify Black voices and fight to deconstruct the oppressive system that allows us to thrive while others live in fear.
- Skye Butterfield & Edi Roque
The only time thousands of White people are cheering for the Black kid to win is in the stadium.” - Stephon Davis
Stephon Davis is a Boston based marimbist, composer, and percussionist, Stephon is interested in contemporary classical music that speaks to issues of identity, society, and politics. Through performance and composition, they strive to create performances that explore Black and Queer identity, and challenge traditional western practices.
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See more from Stephon on instagram (@stephonkd)
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Patrick McCaffrey is a marimbist/percussionist from the San Francisco Bay Area now residing in Boston. He received his Bachelors in Music in percussion at San Jose State University. He is currently in a Master's in Music program at the Boston
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See more from Patrick on instagram (@patmccf)
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Tanya Harris, Soprano, is a recent graduate of the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music.This fall she plans to pursue her graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
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See more from Tanya on instagram (@tanyaharris07)
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Jorge A. Torrez received his BM in Vocal Performance from University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. He was a featured young artist at the International Baroque Academy in Oberaudorf, Germany and was featured in concert with Sacramento’s premier baroque ensemble, Sinfonia Spirituosa directed by Dr Lorna Peters.
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See more from Jorge on instagram (@basically_an_alto)
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Amanda Jane Ross is a recent graduate from The School for Music Vocations. She is a 2019 Downbeat award winner as a Solo Jazz Vocalist. In the fall of 2020, Amanda will begin her Masters at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
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See more from Amanda on instagram (@almandajane)
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“There is a Balm in Gilead’ is a traditional Africa-American spiritual. This version is by Henry "Harry" Thacker Burleigh, who was an African American composer, arranger and baritone soloist who was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on December 2, 1866.
This piece is a mash-up of The Jackson 5 and Tiffany Evans’ versions of “I’ll Be There” arranged by Nia. Tiffany Evans is a singer-songwriter from the South Bronx who rose to fame as a contestant on Star Search in 2003. The Jackson 5 is the infamous family music group that premiered in 1965.
Nia Soyemi is a SAG actress who has been blessed to tour over 10 countries. She is really grateful to Janie to be a part of such a great step towards equality for Black-Lead businesses.
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See more from Nia on instagram (@_iyemos)
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Quenton Ellis is a Composer/Singer/Songwriter and occasional improv actor, who lives in Brooklyn. His most recent composing credits include The Lady Power Project, The Bucket List, and Evelyn: A New Musical, all debuted at Dixon Place, which is a non-profit Queer theatre space in Downtown.
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See more from Quenton on instagram (@avenuequenton)
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I’ve been wanting to do a cover of Kimbra’s “The Good War” for a long time. This song resonates with me on a very personal level, and when it was released, I remember how striking it felt as I was going through a very turbulent time in my life emotionally. With the circumstances in our world right now; fighting COVID, fighting oppression, fighting police brutality, fighting racism, I feel like the song is even more poignant than it was back in 2018. I am so grateful to Janie for being so ambitious, and being someone who turns thoughts into action and action into positive impact. We are fighting the good fight, and we are ushering ourselves into a newer, better, freer world.
I participated in this event because I think what Janie is doing is amazing and I'm honored that she asked me to be a part of it (especially since she has so many talented friends). When you say you "stand with a community" it means nothing without action, and as a black woman I feel it's necessary to support true allies.
The reason I chose this song is because it has always been one of my favorite songs and I love Bob Marley's music, while it's not one of his more political songs, it's still great.
- Kyle Elwin-Lamming
Kyle Elwin-Lamming is a cross genre singer-songwriter Born and Raised in Brooklyn, NY. She currently lives in Crown Heights with her Husband Zach and Dog-Daughter, Bowie Stardust.
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See more from Kyle on instagram (@_trillary_banks)
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Violinist Alan Chen has garnered a reputation as one of the Southbay’s most sought-after young violinists. He has professionally performed along side renowned artists including piano soloist Gwendolyn Mok, Violinist Emily Daggett Smith of the Jupiter Chamber Players, clarinetist and Juilliard professor Ayako Oshima, as well as members of the LA piano Quartet San Francisco Symphony and Ballet Orchestra, National Philharmonic, and Louisiana Philharmonic. He currently leads the Manifest Music Academy as founder and head Violin instructor, has been featured in Content Magazine, as well as on a number of local record albums, plays in local bands [MONO]Stereo and Curious quail and is passionate about the local art and music community.
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See more from Alan on instagram (@baddy_good_daddy)
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When I first heard about the heartbreaking loss of Elijah McLain this song immediately came to mind. The name is a haunting reminder of the social climate that seeks to numb our minds and hearts to a system built largely on white supremacy.
The painting is a single candle standing and glowing from within with its reflection in the background. The candle is a symbol of the mass of vigils throughout the years of violence against Black lives.
Malkia Saint-Albin is a haitian-American artist from Miami, FL who now resides in Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate from School of Visual Arts (2016) and now creates work from her own home. You can find more work on her website (www.kiasaintalbin.wixsite.com)
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See more from Malkia on instagram (@saintkia)
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I chose this piece not only to highlight a Black female classical composer(Florence Price), but also to keep the call to action alive. The fight for equality of the Black community has been long and arduous; making it easy to be discouraged and lose hope. It’s not going to be easy, and it may take another lifetime to see true equality, but it is worth the effort so that someday soon no one has to grow up with the constant burden of fear and oppression based on the color of their skin.
“Hold Fast To Dreams” by Florence Price was released in 1945 and is set to the text of a Langston Hughes poem released in 1922 titled “Dreams”. Florence Price was a composer, pianist, organist, and music teacher. She was the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer and have her music performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Langston Hughes was a poet and writer who was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His release of multiple poems focusing around dreams is said to be partial inspiration for Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Text:
“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Filled with snow”
Soprano Janie Dusenberry holds a Bachelor of Music from San José State University in Vocal Performance. She was a 2019 participant in the professional program at SongFest, and a featured soloist at the 2018 Narnia Festival in Narni, Italy. She currently resides in Brooklyn, NY and devotes her free time to activism and volunteering to help get 45 out of office.
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See more from Janie on instagram (@janiedphotos)
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