Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance
Experience Harlem 100!
“Satisfy your souls and let the good times roll.”
Mwenso & The Shakes bring a blast from the past with this multi-media show highlighting the cultural contributions of the Harlem Renaissance; a period of intellectual and artistic growth within the African-American community in Harlem (and surrounding areas) during the 1920s.
As it was known then, the "New Negro Movement" produced literary classics and musical standards that have withstood the test of time. Thought-leaders like Langston Hughes broke stereotypes and rejected institutional racism. The blatant characterization of African-Americans in modern media highlighted daily prejudice, which in turn led to a radical demand for equality.
This progressive behavior helped launch the careers of many artists including Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and others. Jazz blurred the lines between high-class and low-class citizens and popularized the genre into the mainstream music industry.
The historical nods throughout Harlem 100 are echoed as performers like Brianna Thomas spin their own take on the Harlem jazz scene, with special guest Michela Marino Lerman rounding out the evening with tap dancing while Vuyo Sotashe leads the band in classic New York jazz.