“Freelon makes each song such a personal statement that they all seem fresh and new..." USA Today
(Philadelphia)—Herbie Hancock calls her “a wonderful song stylist," Melba Moore says that “she's a reincarnation of Ella Fitzgerald," and Aretha Franklin proclaims “if you're looking for good entertainment and very hip music, be sure to check out Nnenna Freelon." The six-time Grammy® Award nominee makes her Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts debut singing jazz standards and highlights from her most recent album backed by her five-piece band on Friday, April 1 at 8:00 PM. For tickets or for more information on both performances, please visit www.AnnenbergCenter.org or call 215.898.3900. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Annenberg Center Box Office.
Freelon has earned a well-deserved reputation as a compelling and captivating live performer, known for fearless, thrilling yet intimate performances, and has shared the stage or recordings with such artists as Jessye Norman, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Take 6, Al Jarreau and the Count Basie Orchestra. Homefree, Freelon's most recent studio album, provides a fresh and unique take on standards from the Great American Songbook. Billboard describes Homefree as “intriguing, left-of-center arrangements—coupled with one of the most alluring voices in music," and “Freelon remains a versatile artist at home with her craft, able to make any song her own without compromising its essence —the mark of a true artist."
Freelon will be joined on stage by Miki Hayama, piano; Wayne Batchelor, bass; Adonis Rose, drums; and Beverly Bostford, percussion.
Nnenna Freelon has been heard and seen in feature film in “What Women Want," alongside trumpet-legend Clark Terry on “In Performance At The White House" to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Variety's The Children's Charity, on the #1 TV hit “Mad Men," on the “Jerry Lewis' Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon," on stage alongside Opera superstar Jessye Norman and The Roots performing in the hit musical Ask Your Mama, and for numerous charities and at Special Events such as at the Society of Singers' “Ella Awards" honoring the legendary Julie Andrews and for Variety's The Children's Charity (as a featured vocalist at the Stephen Sondheim Tribute at Carnegie Hall). Freelon is renowned leader in the education and healthcare fields, has served as National Spokesperson for Partners in Education, and conducts workshops, clinics and master classes.
Post-Show Artist Talk Back
Ticket holders will have the unique opportunity to attend a special post-show artist talk back with Nnenna Freelon facilitated by WRTI's Jazz Music Director and Host Maureen Malloy. The talk back will immediately follow the performance and take place in the Zellerbach Theatre.
(Philadelphia)—Herbie Hancock calls her “a wonderful song stylist," Melba Moore says that “she's a reincarnation of Ella Fitzgerald," and Aretha Franklin proclaims “if you're looking for good entertainment and very hip music, be sure to check out Nnenna Freelon." The six-time Grammy® Award nominee makes her Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts debut singing jazz standards and highlights from her most recent album backed by her five-piece band on Friday, April 1 at 8:00 PM. For tickets or for more information on both performances, please visit www.AnnenbergCenter.org or call 215.898.3900. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Annenberg Center Box Office.
Freelon has earned a well-deserved reputation as a compelling and captivating live performer, known for fearless, thrilling yet intimate performances, and has shared the stage or recordings with such artists as Jessye Norman, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Take 6, Al Jarreau and the Count Basie Orchestra. Homefree, Freelon's most recent studio album, provides a fresh and unique take on standards from the Great American Songbook. Billboard describes Homefree as “intriguing, left-of-center arrangements—coupled with one of the most alluring voices in music," and “Freelon remains a versatile artist at home with her craft, able to make any song her own without compromising its essence —the mark of a true artist."
Freelon will be joined on stage by Miki Hayama, piano; Wayne Batchelor, bass; Adonis Rose, drums; and Beverly Bostford, percussion.
Nnenna Freelon has been heard and seen in feature film in “What Women Want," alongside trumpet-legend Clark Terry on “In Performance At The White House" to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Variety's The Children's Charity, on the #1 TV hit “Mad Men," on the “Jerry Lewis' Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon," on stage alongside Opera superstar Jessye Norman and The Roots performing in the hit musical Ask Your Mama, and for numerous charities and at Special Events such as at the Society of Singers' “Ella Awards" honoring the legendary Julie Andrews and for Variety's The Children's Charity (as a featured vocalist at the Stephen Sondheim Tribute at Carnegie Hall). Freelon is renowned leader in the education and healthcare fields, has served as National Spokesperson for Partners in Education, and conducts workshops, clinics and master classes.
Post-Show Artist Talk Back
Ticket holders will have the unique opportunity to attend a special post-show artist talk back with Nnenna Freelon facilitated by WRTI's Jazz Music Director and Host Maureen Malloy. The talk back will immediately follow the performance and take place in the Zellerbach Theatre.
