They Speak Through Us

"They Speak Through Us" utilizes spoken word, music, rhythm tap dance, poetry, and theater to explore the dynamics, contributions, political overtones, and the legacy of 20th Century African American Performance. From the wailing blues that have contributed to the foundations of American music, to the rhythms of the tap masters, to the screaming saxophones of bebop, cool, and avant-garde jazz, African Americans have birthed and sustained a vibrant cultural contribution to contemporary American culture. In the process their art they have created dynamic changes in our society that have broken down segregation, protested injustice, and trumpeted positive political change. Many of the artists themselves have paid the utimate price for their outspokeness; their breaking of barriers. Bessie Smith's death at the hands of Jim Crow. Bird's great addiction. Albert Ayler's murder.

It is the intention of the three artists to act as conduits by which the spirits of some of the great departed African American artists can speak through. What would Billie Holiday and Lester Young say to the present and future generations of artists if they were able to speak today? Would Charlie "Yardbird" Parker feel we have taken jazz music further? What would Bessie Smith think about race relations today?