The extraordinary a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock has been impressing and inspiring people with its music of conscience since 1973.
The group performs Saturday in Seattle.
Its metaphorical name brings to mind nurturing and strength, and that’s what listeners will find — songs that reflect justice and civil rights.
Wyclef Jean: A member of the Fugees and a solo performer, the Haitian musician and producer also established Yele Haiti to provide scholarships for Haitian children. His hits include “We Trying to Stay Alive,” an adaptation of the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.”
He honored Woodstock performer Jimi Hendrix during Woodstock 1999 by setting fire to his guitar after he played “The Star Spangled Banner.”
The trio was on hold for years as individuals did their solo acts and it doesn’t look like a reunion will happen.
Hugh Masekela: South Africa’s legendary Afro-pop ambassador, trumpeter and flugelhornist brings with him the Chissa All-Stars. His 1987 hit single, “Bring Him Back Home” became an anthem to the movement working to free Nelson Mandela.
He’s the co-founder of Chissa Records, the first and only black-owned record label in South Africa. The show includes classical Afro-pop diva Sibongile Khumalo, young singer Nathi, Afro-jazz performer Khaya Mahlangu and a few others.
Umphrey’s McGee: The sextet celebrates the release of its first live album, “Live at the Murat,” and aims to continue a string of sold-out concerts and praise from the press.
They still ride high on the jam crowd’s support but have also done well in the studio. Popular songs include “Push the Pug,” “The Triple Wide” and “Nothing Too Fancy.”
Baby Dee: And now, for something completely different … The classically trained harpist and circus sideshow vet began her career playing a harp dressed as a bear in New York’s Central Park.
She has stories about becoming an accordion-playing cat, riding a high three-wheeler with her harp and touring with a circus.
The performance artist and singer-songwriter settled down some, combining musicianship and what she calls her split personality: “One of them is very vaudevilly circussy and the other is quite serious.”
Out and about: Singer-songwriter Chris Robley &the Fear of Heights bring music from the dark side of relationships from his latest recording, “The Drunken Dance of Modern Man in Love” (Saturday, Sunset Tavern) … Brazilian vocalist-pianist Elaine Elias performs from her CD “Something for You: Eliane Ekias Sings and Plays Bill Evans” (Tuesday and Wednesday, Jazz Alley) …
Country-rockers The Gourds have carved out a musical niche referred to as “Gourds music,” a blend of forms you’ll have to hear to appreciate (Wednesday and Thursday, Tractor Tavern) … Contemporary folk singer Michael Smith (“Spoon River,” “The Dutchman”) can be mysterious, poignant or humorous (Saturday, Phinney Neighborhood Center) … Grammy winner Elton John is in his fourth decade of performances. At the moment, the closest he’ll be is in Pullman on April 12 … Irish rockers Bell X1 have a March 30 concert in Seattle with music from “Flock.”
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