The Linda Tillery Cultural Heritage Choir, a Grammy-nominated, percussion-driven vocal ensemble from Berkeley, California will be ...shakin’ a tail feather... at the Quadra Community Centre, Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m.
This dynamic, five-part a cappella group shares their traditions of African American music rooted in the Deep South and strongly connected to their West African and Caribbean origins. Creating exciting rhythms and audience-engaging energy through stick, song, dance and story, the CHC will transport you to a place in time when the roots of American popular music were just beginning to grow through the music of the “involuntary immigrants” from the western regions of Africa.
Musical director and cultural historian, Linda Tillery is a verteran vocalist, percussionist and Grammy-nominated producer whose career has spanned 43 years. Her powerful, shimmering alto voice has been showcased in many popular bands and venues around the Bay Area of California. Beginning her musical training at an early age listening to jazz, pop, R & B, rock and roll, latin jazz and European classical music, she started her musical career as a classical bassist, evolving through rock ‘n roll and soul performance. She has shared the stage with such musical giants as Bobbie McFerrin, Chick Corea, and YoYo Ma.
Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir have become world renowned for their performances and their commitment to the authenticity of African-American roots music. Collaborating with performers Taj Mahal and Eric Bibb, they recorded Shakin’ A Tailfeather and it was nominated for a Grammy in 1997. Their second effort Hippity Hop was awarded a Parent’s Choice Award in 2000; and their most recent recording, Say Yo’ Business, was nominated for a California Music Award. Currently, the Cultural Heritage Choir is Linda Tillery, Rhonda Benin, Tammi Brown, Elouise Burrell, Bryan Dyer, Rico Pabon and Simon Monserrat.
Get your tickets early for this rhythmic and vocal treat. Advance tickets $20 are now on sale at Hummingbird Office and Art Supply in the Cove, at Works of H’Art in Heriot Bay; and at the Music Plant in Campbell River. If still available, tickets will be $25 at the door. For more information, call 250-285-3204 or visit the choir’s website: http://www.berkeleyagency.com/resources/artist-roster.htm.