To close out Women’s History Month, Local Spins recaps a special night in Grand Rapids: The “Music That Raised Us” concert at Listening Room starring some of West Michigan’s most dynamic female artists.
All-Star Cast: Lisa Knight, Sarena Rae, Karisa Wilson and Serita Crowley on stage Tuesday night. (Photo/Anna Sink)
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From the ever-enduring strains of the jazz standard “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” to the Etta James classic “At Last,” it was a night to remember and a night to celebrate iconic, black female artists.
With an all-star, West Michigan cast of singers and musicians on board, “Music That Raised Us: Celebrating Black Female Artists Throughout the Ages” unfurled at Listening Room in downtown Grand Rapids on Tuesday, regaling a sold-out, packed house for an event designed to “empower the women in our community that are involved in local arts and to celebrate the tremendous impact black women made in music history.”
Led by the event’s artistic director and singer Sarena Rae, the unprecedented evening of music featured Sarena Rae, Debra Perry, Karisa Wilson, Serita Crowley, Lisa Knight and Avalon Cutts-Jones backed by a who’s who roster of area musicians.
Presented by the Michigan Music Alliance, the dynamic set of singers delivered renditions of songs by legendary artists, including Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Erykah Badu and many more.
To close out Women’s History Month, Local Spins tells the story of this special evening in photos and video highlights. And check out Sarena Rae’s Top 10 playlist of black female artists.
PHOTO GALLERY: “Music That Raised Us” at Listening Room
Photos by Anna Sink and Loren Johnson
VIDEO: “Music That Raised Us” (Some Highlights)
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