In-person Music Event

Thursday, March 2, 4:00PM-5:30PM

Hallie Q Brown Community Center

270 N Kent St, St Paul, MN 55102

Canteen Room

African American Music History

Join City and County staff in a fun event focused on music and history. Special guests Commissioner Rena Morgan and Mayor Carter will join the festivities. Our main event will begin with Revered Yolanda Williams, PhD, who will share about musical styles and genres of the African Diaspora. Aretha and Her Men with Gwen Matthews and Friends will provide a live musical performance.

Description of the Show

A fabulous one-of-a kind-show from the heart of creator/ producer Gwen Matthews which features the music of Aretha Franklin singing duets with male entertainers such as Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, Rod Stewart, Elton John, John Legend, George Michael and more! Based on duets originally recorded or from live concerts, “Aretha & Her men” promises a beautiful night full of fun songs and outstanding performances which will leave you feeling full of joy.

Performer and Accompanying Musicians

Gwen Matthews is joined by vocalists, Gevonee Ford, Lamont Keten, Tiawynee Purnell-Finger, and Angela Stewart. Accompanied by Todd Burrell (piano) James Towns (bass), and Brad Steine (drums)

Event Guests:

	Rev. Yolanda Y. Williams, Ph.D. Dr. Williams has been a guest voice soloist with revered orchestras and ensembles worldwide in the Classical, Jazz, Blues, and Gospel genres. Dr. Williams teaches music courses in the African American/African Studies department at the University of Minnesota. Her scholarly publications explore the music of the African Diaspora. Dr. Williams is also a pastor in the United Methodist Church in Glenwood, Minnesota.
	Gwen Matthews is a singer, producer, songwriter, poet, vocal designer and vocal coach who’s performed nationally and internationally and has recorded and sung with many greats, including Earth, Wind, & Fire, Crow, Stevie Wonder, and Denis Colin. She was named one of 30 Essential Black Musicians Who Defined Minnesota’s Sound by Star Tribune Music Critic Jon Bream. Gevonee Ford’s soulful voice and vibrant presence are products of his extensive gospel background and strong jazz fusion roots. As a first-call singer and actor, he has shared the stage with artists such as Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, Tower of Power, and the Temptations. Lamont Keten of “The Soul Tight Committee” and “MFellaz” is a talented artist and featured vocalist for the “Greats Gone 2 Soon" live music series. Tiawynee “Tia” Purnell-Finger was born into a family of musicians. Her soulful, sultry voice has back up such artists as Josh Grovan, Nikki Ross, and Ginger Commodore. She is currently a member of William Duncan & The Crew and TCCGC. Angela Stewart is a Gospel singer with James Grear and Co. She’s sung background for Jennifer Holiday, Michael Buble and has travelled to Italy twice for the Umbria Jazz Festival. She currently sings with Robert Robinson and Gwen Matthews and is the Worship Leader at Progressive Baptist Church in St Paul. She is also a family coach at Northside Achievement Zone.