Tanya Reed
Socio-political Artist Reunites with Local Jazz Singer for a ‘Sacred’ Purpose in Pilsen/Heart of Chicago
Acclaimed local jazz singer, Tanya Reed will reunite with self-taught painter and photographer Tony Collins for a special musical performance to reinforce the importance of arts education in urban communities.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will go towards this purpose.
On Saturday, August 1, 2009, this music and art soiree event coined, “Sacred” will bring Reed’s melodic voice and honest lyrics together with the provocative, large scale socio-political paintings of Collins for a moving collaboration.
This event will take place at 720 Studios located at 2400 South Oakley in Chicago’s Pilsen/Heart of Chicago neighborhood, at 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. (on the corner of 24th and Oakley, enter through alley door on 24th)
Reed, a vocal jazz/soul artist and Collins, a painter and photographer have reunited after meeting 10 years ago when Reed booked Collins to perform at Columbia College’s first Big Mouth Open Mic event in downtown Chicago.
“Tanya was one of the most upfront people that we met during our days on the underground spoken-word scene. It’s been so cool to reconnect with her,” said Collins.
“I met Tony when he was known as 720 the poet, and recently discovered the depths of his artistry as a painter and photographer and it is truly ‘sacred’ to me…that’s how we came up with the name of the event,” explained Reed.
As a protégé of the late great jazz musician, Dr. Betty Carter, Reed has worked with jazz artists that include George Benson, Lou Rawls, Grammy-award winning house music producer, Lidell Townsell, and Chicago underground hip-hop group, Primeridian.
Reed will perform with her live band to create some organically, jazzy and soulful sounds. She performs and interprets originals, jazz standards and cover music. “I like to call my music sonic nourishment, just a taste of my jazzy roots and soulful fruits,” said Reed.
Tony Collins
Primarily self-taught, Collins is a realist and uses a pragmatic approach in creating sometimes political imagery. Inspired by revolutionary artist such as Emory Douglas, Collins precisely captures the humanity that transcends any singular struggle, resulting in a raw form of beauty.
Reed and Collins believe that the ultimate purpose of their sacred re-connection is to advocate for arts education and presentation in urban communities.
Reed notes, “I believe this event offers us not only a chance at collaboration but also an opportunity to give back to the community that has inspired us.”
Contact:
Lemonade Jones
wizegirlentertainmentgroup@gmail.com
773-641-5549
Beautiful…