Sweet Honey in the Rock at the Colonial
The extraordinary women’s vocal group Sweet Honey in the Rock will perform on Friday at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Mass., offering music that comprises gospel, jazz, blues, spirituals, African chant, reggae, and hip-hop, all blended masterfully into their unique and unforgettable sound.I have been enamored of the marvelous music of Sweet Honey in the Rock for decades. An a cappella group, the many creative ways they use their voices produces magnificent, soaring songs; the melodies are embellished and enhanced, supported by complex layers of elegant harmony, and often by hand-held percussion instruments.
Founded in 1973 and based in Washington, D.C., Sweet Honey in the Rock has had some changes in personnel over the years. Currently, the ensemble includes Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, and Shirley Childress Saxton.
The women of the ensemble all sing beautifully, but their performances are rich in content as well, referencing social responsibility, issues of community, and the value of heritage. They are activists, teachers, and storytellers who have performed around the world and in venues as celebrated as Carnegie Hall and the White House.
In addition to the wonderful sound, every Sweet Honey concert also includes signing for the hearing impaired. I have long been fascinated by American sign language and watching someone who signs beautifully adds an important visual dimension to the music. It deepens the experience, as the meaning of the lyrics and the rhythms of the songs are amplified by sensitive and artistic rendering into sign language.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. on Friday; tickets are $55 and $35.
Colonial Theatre
111 South St.
Pittsfield, Mass.
413.997.4444
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