About this Event
Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes.
In 1969, each weekend from June 29 to August 24, thousands of Harlem residents flocked to what is now known as Marcus Garvey Park, to experience the Harlem Cultural Festival - a free event so filled with stars from soul, R&B, blues and jazz they called it the “Black Woodstock”. Six different free shows over six weeks. But the famed and more widely known Woodstock Festival, which took place that same summer, completely overshadowed the Harlem Cultural Festival.
And recently, musician/songwriter/DJ/drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson fashioned a concert film titled A Summer of Soul. Crafted from footage of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, the movie is a breathtaking chronicle of Black culture in a pivotal moment in history.
Ginger, Ashley and Jesse have gathered songs featured in the movie and bring them to the Belvedere stage for a night of soul-filled songs by artists who put “soul music” on the map. Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone, David Ruffin, Gladys Knight, Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples, Mongo Santamaria - like from every type of genre from Africa to Harlem."
The artists present at the Harlem Cultural Festival melded music and social justice at the same time. This show will do the same and awaken your soul.
JESSE LARSON IS A GUITAR PLAYER AND VOCALIST WITH A DYNAMIC, SOULFUL SOUND.
He has shared the stage with many well-known acts like Next, Eric Roberson, Robert Robinson, Darnell Davis. Jesse most recently performed with Maroon 5 front man, Adam Levine as well as Ceelo Green, when he competed in Season 12 of NBC hit television show The Voice. During his twelve week run on the show, Jesse wowed fans and gained the admiration of fellow musicians making it all the way to the finale and ultimately winning the fourth place spot.
Jesse is a self-taught musician with many influences from B.B. King to Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway. Jesse’s father was his biggest influence and introduced him to classic blues at a young age. In February, 2015 he got a call to audition for Prince. After many auditions, he landed the opportunity to play for Judith Hill, whom Prince was producing. After Prince’s sudden death, the tour was canceled, but the experience helped to ignite Jesse’s passion for spreading the gift of music to people all over the world.
Ginger Commodore has been a member of the Midwest music scene for many years. Classically trained, Gospel influenced, Jazz inspired. Ginger’s musical foundation is a true amalgam of musical styles presented with her own unique delivery, from touching whisper to full throated (yet controlled) power.
Her career has taken her down many musical roads. She began her performing as a long time member of the Grammy Award winning Sounds of Blackness, touring across the United States.
Her theatrical credits include: the World Premiere of DEATH IN THE FAMILY with the Minnesota Opera Company, SELMA with the Penumbra Theatre Company, BLACK BELTS at the Mixed Blood Theatre, STAMPING, SHOUTING & SINGING HOME with the Children's Theatre Company, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE at Hey City Theater, Black Nativity (Penumbra), HAIRSPRAY (Chanhassen Dinner Theatre). and most recently THE COLOR PURPLE (Park Square Theater)
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Belvedere at Crooners, 6161 Highway 65 NE, Minneapolis, United States
USD 30.00 to USD 35.00