Ravita Jazz Group - Songs of Justice and Freedom

Join Ravita Jazz Group at An die Musik Live for Songs of Justice and Freedom.

Deirdre Jennings, vocals
Mark Leppo, percussion
Nuc Vega, drums
Phil Ravita, bass
Greg Small, piano

The concert will include songs written from the days of slavery through 2000, reflecting important benchmarks in social justice. Beginning with “Wade in the Water,” a Jubilee song (spiritual) believed to be associated with the Underground Railroad. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a hymn with lyrics by the Johnson brothers that premiered in 1900. The NAACP promoted the hymn as a “Negro national anthem” in 1917 and it is referred to as the “Black national anthem” today. From the 1920’s, the band will present Fats Waller’s “Black and Blue” and from the 1940’s “Straighten Up and Fly Right” written by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills. Songs like Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” reflect the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. Other highlights include “Redemption Song” released by Bob Marley in 1980 with lyrics based on a speech by civil-rights campaigner Marcus Garvey in 1937. The gospel “We Shall Overcome,” and the enduring “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye released on the Motown label.

In-person seats: $20 / $10 students
Attendees receive a link to the recording to view for one week.

Streaming passes: $15
The link will remain active through Feb 14

Donations welcome!