Rams Head Promotions presents Black History Month Music Celebration 2011, with a series of genre-transcending music concerts throughout the month of February featuring national recording artists at Rams Head On Stage. The concert events include Buckwheat Zydeco, WAR, Christian Scott, Lizz Wright, Project/Object, Ronny Jordan, Vusi Mahlasela, Robert Cray Band, Shemekia Copeland, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Tickets are available by phone 410.268.4545, on the internet at www.ramsheadonstage.com, or at either of the box office locations.
Buckwheat Zydeco (February 3)
Grammy award winner Buckwheat Zydeco continues to act as the Zydeco music ambassador to the world with a sound that will keep your feet stomping! The New York Times writes “Buckwheat leads one of the best party bands in America; he can pump out zydeco two-beats or shift into rolling 12-bar blues, steaming all the way.” Buckwheat Zydeco brings the world’s best Creole dance music on Thursday, February 3rd 2011 at 8pm. Tickets are $28.50.
WAR (February 4)
An American original, WAR was the first and most successful musical crossover phenomenon that forever fused rock, jazz, Latin and R&B. They have been a musical melting pot and an enduring influence that has sold more that 50 million records to date. Their classic hit "Why Can't We Be Friends" has become an international anthem of peace and goodwill. WAR will perform on Friday, February 4th, 2011. Show times are 6:30 & 9:30pm. Tickets are $39.50.
Christian Scott (February 9)
At a mere 27, trumpeter Christian Scott is one of music's most exciting and innovative new talents. Respected in jazz circles, his sensibility has led to collaborations and performances with The Roots, Marcus Miller, Mos Def, and Prince, among others. An outstanding feat, Scott hit Billboard's "Top Ten to Watch in 2006" list even before his debut and Grammy nominated album Rewind That was released. Christian Scott takes the stage on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011; show time is 8:00 pm. Tickets are $25.
Lizz Wright (February 14)
Vocalist Lizz Wright delivers a sultry R&B performance that's divinely layered in gospel and jazz, and keenly similar to the work of Oleta Adams and Jill Scott. Her impressive singing style was captured on her debut, Salt. Dreaming Wide Awake followed in June 2005. After making a guest appearance on the Toots Thielmans album One More for the Road in 2006, Wright released her third album, The Orchard, in 2008. Lizz Wright will perform on Monday, February 14th 2011 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $35.
Project/Object feat. Ike Willis & Ray White – performing the music of Frank Zappa (February 16)
The members of PROJECT/OBJECT feel that Frank Zappa is one of the 20th Century's greatest and most important composers, and they are on a mission to bring his music to the masses by faithfully recreating the live Zappa experience. Joined by Ike Willis, the legendary 10-plus year Zappa vocalist and guitarist, the band successfully realizes the fun and excitement that was felt when Zappa himself was on stage. Project/Object will play on Wednesday, February 16th 2011 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $22.50.
Ronny Jordan (February 21)
One of the acid jazz movement’s most prominent guitarists, London-born Ronny Jordan is widely credited with returning the instrument to its rightful place as a major force in modern-day jazz; despite outcries from purists, few other artists of his era proved more pivotal in knocking down the long-immutable boundaries of contemporary black music. Ronny Jordan will perform on Friday, February 18th, 2011 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $22.50.
Vusi Mahlasela (February 21)
Vusi Mahlasela, is simply known as ‘The Voice’ in his home-country, South Africa, celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics. His songs of hope connect Apartheid-scarred South Africa with its promise for a better future. After world-wide touring and international acclaim, Americans first caught a glimpse of Vusi in the lauded documentary film Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony, and the accompanying soundtrack. After the release of the film, long-time admirer and fellow South African, Dave Matthews, signed Vusi to his own ATO Records label and released The Voice (2003)¸ a collection of the best songs from Vusi’s catalog. Vusi Mahlasela will perform on Monday, February 21st, 2011. Tickets are $20.
Robert Cray Band (February 22) –sold out-
Multi-talented Robert Cray is an artist of considerable scope. Considered to be one of the most expressive vocalists and impressive guitarists on the contemporary rhythm and Blues scene, Robert Cray draws R&B, rock, pop, and jazz with equal insight and authority. Robert Cray Band will perform on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $67.50.
Shemekia Copeland (February 24)
Copeland’s passion for singing, matched with her huge, blast-furnace voice, gives her music a timeless power and a heart-pounding urgency. Her music comes from deep within her soul and from the streets where she grew up, surrounded by the everyday sounds of the city — street performers, gospel singers, blasting radios, bands in local parks and so much more. Shemekia Copeland will perform on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $30.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (March 1 & 8)
First brought to international attention on Paul Simon’s Graceland, the group has won multiple Grammy awards, and serves as South Africa’s cultural emissaries both at home and abroad. Time does not seem to be slowing LBM down at all as they continue to travel the world, meeting new friends, reaching new audiences, and spreading their message of, “Peace, Love and Harmony.” Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform on Tuesday, March 1st and Tuesday, March 8th at 8:00pm both nights. Tickets are $35.
Rahsaan Patterson w. Avery Sunshine (March 5)
Soul vocalist and songwriter Rahsaan Patterson is another in the line of new-school R&B singers (Maxwell, Erykah Badu) with a bit more integrity than most of the chart-toppers during the 1990s. Along the way, Patterson shared his artistry on soundtracks “Love & Basketball”, “Dr. Doolittle”, “Two Can Play That Game”, “Hoodlum”, “Brown Sugar”, as well as the renowned comedian Steve Harvey’s compilation Sign Of Things To Come. He has also consistently worked with a range of instrumental artists, including guitarist Jonathan Butler, saxophonists Boney James and Jimmy Sommers, and keyboardist Brian Culbertson. Rahsaan Patterson and Avery Sunshine will perform on Saturday, March 5th at 6:30 & 9:30pm. Tickets are $35.
