Community Through Music
As a foundational Black American music genre, the blues gave birth to jazz, soul, and rock and roll. Evolving from the folk music of enslaved Africans and spirituals, the blues will be brought to life by three musicians at Summit Rock. Experience the music that Seneca Village residents likely enjoyed—and might still today, had their community endured.
A regular at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brianna Thomas (@breetifullife) is an internationally acclaimed vocalist who has graced the stages of the world’s premier jazz festivals. Winner of New York’s Jazzmobile Vocal Competition, Thomas has performed with legendary musicians Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves, and more. Performing a set of spirituals and early blues for Juneteenth, she will draw inspiration from artists like Odetta, Bessie Smith, and Mahalia Jackson.
New York native T.K. Blue (@saxmanblue) brings his expertise as a saxophonist, composer, and master jazz educator to this year’s Juneteenth celebration. Mentored by NEA Jazz Masters like Abdullah Ibrahim, Dr. Randy Weston, Archie Shepp, and Regina Carter, Blue is a national treasure with international collaborations. He’s releasing Planet Bluu on October 25, 2024, and for this event, he will present his take on jazz bebop blues, featuring music from icons like Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane.
Vocalist and songwriter Chinah Blac (@chinahblac) seamlessly blends soul, classical, rock, and hip-hop into her signature sound. She’s collaborated with Grammy-winning artists like The Dave Matthews Band, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Jonas Brothers, and many others and has held the position of vocal director for Erykah Badu’s world tour. As a producer, she assembles top musicians to deliver her masterful sound. Currently touring as a background vocalist for Chaka Khan, Chinah’s talent shines across genres and stages.
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