Home delivery plus 2021 SeRIeS Dizzy Spellz SEAN JONES & BRINAE ALI PREMIERING FRI, MAR 19, 8pm (ET) STREAMING ON DEMAND THROUGH THU, MAR 25, 11:59pm (ET)

Dizzy spellz

Dizzy Spellz is an investigative process with an Afro- extremely triggering. Oppression and systemic futuristic lens that looks at the intersecting cultural racism are practices that are embedded in the and spiritual dilemmas within Black America. It fabric of America. It is one of the very reasons why challenges mankind to imagine a world of freedom, our country is so divided. Sean Jones and I not only liberation, and justice through the music of Dizzy re-imagine Dizzy’s music, but we decode messages Gillespie. From his coming of age through the racial that are like a road map or a compass to our own and social dynamics in the Deep South, creating and path of liberation and healing. curating the Bebop movement in New York, to his This piece offers a sacred space to release trauma spiritual journey to Africa and his delve into Afro- and celebrate joy for people of all walks of life. Cuban music and the Bahá’i Faith, Dizzy was very Although the present is deeply connected to the past, much ahead of his time. our imaginations are the keys of possibility to create Dr. Joy DeGruy’s theory of what she calls Post- the future that we envision. It is a reminder that our Traumatic Slave Syndrome resonates intensely spirits are having a human experience. We are just a throughout this work. Events such as the murders guest or visitor to this place called Earth. of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the Black – Alexandria “Brinae Ali” Bradley Lives Matter protests during a pandemic have been

CREATIVE TEAM PERFORMERS Written, choreographed, and conceived by Brinae Ali Trumpet: Sean Jones Musical director/composition: Sean Jones Vocals/Tap/Spoken Word: Brinae Ali Bass: Kris Funn Artistic advisor/director: Paige Hernandez-Funn Keys: Alex Brown Visual art: Josama Palabra Drums: CV Dashiell III Wardrobe consultant: Carmia Marshall Percussion: Menes Yahudah Makeup: Ciara Terry Turntables/Beatbox/SoundFX: Wendel Patrick

More Info, Series Sales, and Donations: WashingtonPerformingArts.org 1 about the artists

Alexandria “Brinae Ali” Bradley, Dizzy Spellz, fuses tap, bebop, hip-hop, and Afro- born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Cuban music to articulate the African American is an interdisciplinary artist who experience through the music of Dizzy Gillespie believes in using the power of the from an Afrofuturistic lens. arts to transform the conditions of the human spirit. When she is Music and spirituality have not traveling and performing, she always been fully intertwined in is giving back to young people and the artistic vision of trumpeter, grassroots organizing. Currently, Ali is the Assistant bandleader, composer, educator, Artistic Director of Tapology, Inc., a youth-based and activist Sean Jones. Singing outreach program in Flint that believes in preserving and performing as a child with the art of tap and jazz culture through education the church choir in his hometown and performance. As an educator, she has collab- of Warren, Ohio, Sean switched orated with After School Activities Partnership, from the drums to the trumpet at the age of ten. East Park Revitalization Alliance, Philadelphia Clef Sean is a musical chameleon and is comfortable Club of Performing Arts, Raise It Up! Youth Arts in any musical setting, no matter what the role or and Awareness, Flint Youth Theatre, Mural Arts of the genre. He is equally adept at being a member Philadelphia, Young Audiences of New Jersey, of an ensemble as he is at being a bandleader. Queens College, Long Island University, Ping Sean turned a six-month stint with the Jazz Chong and Company, and New Jersey Performing at Lincoln Center Orchestra into an offer from Arts Center and was an artist in residence at the Wynton Marsalis for a permanent position as lead Carol Morgan School in Santo Domingo, Dominican trumpeter, a post he held from 2004 until 2010. In Republic. She has also served as an adjunct 2015 Jones was tapped to become a member of the professor at Queens College and Long Island SFJAZZ Collective, where he was a member until University. Ali has traveled and performed around 2018. During this time, Sean has managed to keep a the world in countries such as France, Germany, core group of talented musicians together under his China, and Brazil. She also traveled with a team leadership, forming the foundation for his groups of tap dancers to Russia for a tour of five cities, that have produced and released eight recordings working with the U.S. Embassy for its cultural on Mack Avenue Records. The latest is his 2017 exchange program celebrating National Tap Dance release, Sean Jones: Live from the Jazz Bistro. Day. Her Broadway and off-Broadway experience Sean has been prominently featured with a number has gained her positions as Assistant Dance Captain of artists, recording and/or performing with many for Shuffle Along: the 1921 Sensation And All That major figures in jazz, including Illinois Jacquet, Followed, choreographed by Savion Glover and Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Nancy Wilson, Dianne directed by George C. Wolfe; Company Member Reeves, Gerald Wilson, and Marcus Miller. Sean of the New York and Touring Casts of STOMP; was selected by Miller, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne special features in the Cotton Club Parade (which Shorter for their Tribute to Miles tour in 2011. later became After Midnight) under the musical direction of Wynton Marsalis and New York City He has also performed with the Cleveland, Pitts- Center’s Off-Center production of Don’t Bother burgh, and Youngstown Symphony Orchestras as Me, I Can’t Cope, directed and choreographed by well as Soulful Symphony in Baltimore, and in a Savion Glover. She also took part in a two-week chamber group at the Salt Bay Chamber Festival. tour in Italy celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s centennial. Sean is also an internationally recognized educator. As a playwright and songwriter, she has created He was recently named the Richard and Elizabeth award-winning works such as her one woman Case Chair of Jazz at John Hopkins University’s show, Steps (Best Short Play at the Downtown Peabody Institute in Baltimore. Before coming to Urban Theater Festival), and Destination Forever: Peabody, Sean served as the Chair of the Brass Vol.1 EP (Vox Populi Independence Music Award). Department at the Berklee College of Music in Her current work with trumpeter Sean Jones, Boston. 2 Paige Hernandez is a multidis- his passion for the visual arts through oil painting. ciplinary artist who is critically Josama immersed himself with his newfound love acclaimed as a performer, and began studying the works of various Renais- director, choreographer, and sance masters, Mexican muralists, and contemp­ playwright. As an AEA equity orary painters. actress, Paige has performed The combination of Josama’s vagabond lifestyle, on many stages throughout the artistic upbringing, and devotion to hip-hop culture, country. She has collaborated are the factors responsible for his unique artistic with the Lincoln Center and has been commis- expression. Josama’s work can be defined as a sioned by several companies including the National living dreamscape that cross-pollinates historical New Play Network, the Smithsonian, The Kennedy moments with pop-culture iconography and Center, La Jolla Playhouse, and the Glimmerglass everyday street life. Infusing elements of symbology, Festival. She is the recipient of an Individual Artist psychology, and spirituality, Josama’s pieces are Award from the Maryland State Arts Council as engaging and evoke a thought-provoking analysis of well as four Helen Hayes nominations for choreo­ the imagery conveyed. graphy, directing, and performance. Paige has also been named a “classroom hero” by the Huffington Carmia Marshall graduated Post, a “Citizen Artist Fellow” with the Kennedy cum laude from Howard Center, “40 under 40” by the Washington Post and University with a Bachelor of one of “Six Theatre Workers You Should Know” by Arts in communications. Her American Theatre Magazine. She is elated to be love for fashion and storytelling the Associate Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre led her to a diverse career in in her hometown of Baltimore, MD. With her entertainment, with successful company B-FLY ENTERTAINMENT, Paige continues positions in myriad sectors such to develop and tour original work internationally. as costuming, styling, personal shopping, fashion paigehernandez.com design, and writing. “Life is but a dream…” The poetry Carmia has worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest etched in Lewis Carroll’s 1903 blockbusters, such as Ocean’s 8 (star dressing poetic masterpiece so tunefully Rihanna), George C. Wolfe’s movie adaption of mirrors the essence embodied in August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for the paintings of Josama Palabra. Netflix, (star dressing Viola Davis), and Darren Born Jose Antonio David in the Aronofsky’s Noah (star dressing Russell Crowe). Dominican Republic and raised For fashion-driven plots, where clothes are a major in New York City, Josama studied character in the movie, her credits include Tracy fine arts at Altos De Chavon, a sister school to Oliver’s television remake of First Wives Club, in Parsons. As an only child, Josama was raised and which Carmia dressed music legend Jill Scott. artistically inspired by his mother, Ingrid Madera, She also worked on the iconic Sex in the City 2, in the internationally renowned sculptor, artist, and which she dressed male principals and other cast survivor. Josama’s childhood was nomadic, moving members. incessantly throughout various neighborhoods, While working on major film and television shows, boroughs, counties, and states, including Man- she was co-owner/vice-president of a fashion label hattan’s Lower East Side, Chelsea, Harlem, called Sistahs of Harlem. While managing Sistahs Brooklyn, Long Island, and New Jersey. of Harlem, celebrities such as Erykah Badu and Throughout Josama’s travels, he became largely Alicia Keys pulled clothing from the line for special influenced by hip-hop culture, primarily graffiti art appearances. Carmia often found accessories and MCing. It was during the “die hard” era of New to compliment Sistahs of Harlem merchandise. York’s graffiti scene where 10-year-old Josama This helped to develop relationships with various would lay his foundation as a visual artist. Within showrooms, hence creating the beginning of her one year, Josama was keeping black books full styling career. of designs to be used for murals. Due to the near No stranger to the publishing industry, Carmia is the extinction of the graffiti train culture, Josama took a co-author of T-shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations back seat to the declining art form and transcended to Fabulous Fashions, Denim Mania: 25 Stylish Ways 3 to Transform Your Jeans, and Chic Sweats: 22 Ways Kristopher appears on several recordings including to Transform and Restyle Your Sweatshirts. These the Grammy-nominated albums Emancipation craft titles take an eco-friendly approach to fashion. Proclamation and Ancestral Recall by Christian Each book provides step-by-step instructions on how Scott. Kristopher released his first debut album, to remake items in your wardrobe. Cornerstore, in 2017, and he continues to perform Carmia worked with Stacey London and Clinton professionally in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Kelly as an off-camera stylist for one of the longest area when not touring internationally. Since 2018, running makeover reality shows on network Kristopher is part of the jazz faculty at the Peabody television, What Not to Wear, and as a stylist for Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Style for Hire, a personal shopping company Grammy-nominated pianist and dedicated to creating the perfect wardrobe based on composer Alex Brown is quickly body type, personality, and lifestyle. emerging at the forefront of a Carmia has also made television appearances new generation of artists. The on VH1’s Can’t Get a Date, sharing useful tips New York Times says he plays with singles who need fashion advice, and given “with a crystalline touch and lectures on how to start a business to the National a worldly approach.” Brown Foundation of Teaching Entrepreneurship students. frequently performs with his own Carmia cherishes each professional opportunity group, and Downbeat Magazine described his 2010 and is committed to share the journey of costumery album, Pianist, as “a really fine record that leaves through various platforms. you wanting more.” Brown has been a member of Carmia lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her Paquito D’Rivera’s ensemble since 2007, performing husband, artist Josama. on and contributing arrangements to their Latin Grammy Award–winning album Jazz Meets the Kristopher Funn was born and Classics. He also performed on Brian Lynch’s 2019 raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Grammy Award–winning album The Omni-American He began playing the trumpet at Book Club. Brown collaborates frequently with age four and took up the double vibraphonist Warren Wolf, steel pan virtuoso Victor bass at age 14 upon entering high Provost, and the classical wind quintet Imani Winds. school. Through the instruction In 2016, he performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in of his father, Charles Funn, Blue as a soloist with the Orquesta Symphonica de Kristopher performed his first Mineria, led by conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto in professional bass gig the same year he began Mexico City. Brown has performed in many of the learning the instrument. Other early accomplish- world’s greatest venues including Jazz at Lincoln ments included winning the “unsung hero” at the Center in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Fish Middleton Jazz Competition at the East Coast Washington, D.C., and the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Jazz Festival, also in the first year of instruction. At Mexico City. As an arranger and orchestrator, he has age 18, Kristopher attended Howard University to had music performed by premier groups, including study Computer Science while also performing in the Philadelphia Orchestra. Brown earned his the Howard University Jazz Ensemble for two years. Bachelor of Music degree at New England Conser- After graduating with an honors degree in computer vatory and his Master of Music degree in composition science, Kristopher decided to pursue a career as at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. a professional jazz musician, performing in several From 2018-2019, Brown served as a Visiting Artist venues in the Baltimore and Washington metro- in Jazz Studies at the Peabody Institute of Johns politan areas. Hopkins University in Baltimore. Brown is a YAMAHA At age 23, Kristopher began touring internationally artist and resides in New York City. with alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett. Since then, he has traveled to every major jazz festival in the world, touching six continents and performing with artists including Christian Scott, Joey Alexander, Sean Jones, Kamasi Williams, Benny Golson, Bruce Williams, Nicholas Payton, Warren Wolf, Pharoah Sanders, Jeff Lorber, and many others.

4 Carroll V. “CV” Dashiell, III is a He travels and performs with his Afro-Jazz Band and drummer/percussionist living continues to perform with professional companies in the Washington D.C. Metro- and ensembles. politan area. CV, (as he is called) Menes Yahudah is the Founder and CEO of Urban was born in Washington, D.C. Foli Djembe Orchestra Performing Arts. He is a and raised in Greenville, NC. co-Director of the Baltimore Rhythm Festival. Displaying an interest for the drums at an early age, his perfor- The alter-ego of classical and mance history includes a premiere performance at jazz pianist Kevin Gift, Wendel Carnegie Hall as the featured drummer and soloist Patrick is rapidly making a name with the East Carolina University Jazz Ensemble for himself as a producer to be at the age of 14. CV has performed with Wallace recognized. His five albums, Ronney, Geri Allen, Grady Tate, Benny Golson, Sound:, Forthcoming, JDWP, The Yellowjackets, Bob Mintzer, Antone “Chooky” Passage, and Travel, were all Caldwell, The National Symphony Orchestra, The produced without the use of Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, Connaitre Miller, sampling, with Patrick playing every note of every Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, Bohemian Caverns instrument. What is perhaps most astounding and Jazz Orchestra, Darin Atwater & The Soulful perplexing to listeners is that there are actually no Symphony, Steven Ford, Ashford & Simpson, Terell instruments—he crafts all of the instruments, and Stafford, Bobby Watson & Horizon, Patti Label, and every note, electronically. Debbie Allen, Cyrus Chestnut, Sean Jones, Warren Equally at home performing on stage with his band, Wolf, Brent Birckhead, Mark G. Meadows, and the behind two turntables, beatboxing, improvising, or Marsalis Family Group. playing a Mozart concerto on stage with orchestra, During his time at Howard University, CV was the Wendel Patrick has toured Europe on several drummer for the Howard University Jazz Ensemble occasions and performed throughout the world under the direction of Fred Irby, III, where he was with renowned spoken word artist and poet Ursula the 2006 and 2008 Zildjian Scholarship Recipient. Rucker (The Roots, 4 Hero). In 2014, Wendel Patrick In addition to accompanying Afro Blue, the Downbeat traveled to Australia as a guest lecturer, speaking Award–winning Howard University Vocal Jazz about music production and entrepreneurship Ensemble, CV was the principal percussionist, and in the arts at the Australian Institute of Music in timpanist of the Howard University Wind Ensemble both Sydney and Melbourne. In 2011, with Erik for 2 years. During his time in the Wind Ensemble, Spangler (DJ Dubble8), Wendel Patrick co-founded CV was co-principal percussionist in the first the Baltimore Boom Bap Society, which performs annual Historically Black College wind Ensemble monthly improvised hip hop shows with hand-picked as a freshmen. In 2010, CV was named Best musicians and emcees. The group’s collaborative Collegiate Drummer in Downbeat Magazine’s performance of Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Student Poll edition. Tale with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra was named “Best Mesmerizing Performance of 2016” Menes Yahudah (hand percussion) by Baltimore Magazine. Wendel Patrick’s music has is an artist and cultural arts also been heard across the country on NPR stations, educator. His career has spanned most notably on Out of the Blocks, an award-winning over 35 years. He received the radio documentary program he co-produces with Maryland Apprenticeship Grant radio producer Aaron Henkin for NPR affiliate WYPR for his 15-year apprenticeship that has been featured by the Third Coast Inter­ with Baile McKnight. An Ethno- national Audio Festival and Hearing Voices, as well musicologist in his own right, as on the BBC. having studied West African drumming in the U.S. and abroad, Menes also spent many years studying Wendel Patrick/Kevin Gift majored in both music under Master Drummers such as Mamady Keita and and political science at Emory University and earned other village drummers during his visits to Africa. his M.M. in Piano Performance as a scholarship student at the Northwestern University School of Yahudah received the OSI-Baltimore Community Music in Evanston, IL. Mr. Patrick was a winner of Fellowship for his Cultural Arts Program, “Muze It.”

5 the 2015 Baker Artist Awards’ Mary Sawyers Baker History, Theory, and Practice” at The Peabody Music Grand Prize, and was a full-time faculty member Conservatory, the first such course in the conserva- at Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland. In the tory’s 159-year history. fall of 2016, he taught “Hip Hop Music Production:

About the host

Michele Norris is one of the most as the starting point for conversations about race. trusted voices in journalism. She Norris is also a member of the class of 2020/21 is a Columnist for the Washington National Geographic Storytelling Fellows. Post opinion page and her voice Author of The Grace of Silence, Norris is currently will be familiar to followers at work on her second book. She has received of public radio, where from numerous awards for her work, including Emmy, 2002 to 2012 she was a host of Peabody, and Dupont Awards. In 2009, she was National Public Radio’s afternoon named “Journalist of the Year” by the National magazine show, All Things Considered. Norris is Association of Black Journalists. Before joining NPR also the Founding Director of The Race Card Project, in 2002, Michele spent almost ten years as a reporter a Peabody Award–winning narrative archive where for ABC News in the Washington Bureau. She has she asks people around the world to share their also worked as a staff writer for the Washington experiences, questions, hopes, dreams, laments, Post, Chicago Tribune, and the Los Angeles Times. and observations about identity—in just six words—

6 linger longer panelists

A multi-talented artist, C. Daniel Germaine Ingram is a jazz tap Dawson has worked as a photo­ dancer, choreographer, song grapher, filmmaker, curator, arts writer, vocal and dance impro- administrator, consultant, and viser, and cultural strategist who scholar. He has served as Curator explores themes tied to history, of Photography, Film and Video collective memory, and social at the Studio Museum in Harlem justice. Her work channels styles (NYC), Director of Special Projects and traditions she learned from at the Caribbean Cultural Center (NYC), Program and performed with legendary Philadelphia hoofer Manager at the American Museum of Natural LaVaughn Robinson (1927-2008)—her teacher, History, and Curatorial Consultant and Director of mentor, and performance partner for more than Education at the Museum for African Art (NYC). As 25 years. In addition to designing and performing a photographer, he has shown in over 40 exhibitions her own projects, she collaborates with musicians and has curated more than 70 exhibitions, including and movement artists of diverse styles and genre. Harlem Heyday: The Photographs of James Van Der Her current projects include an exploration of the Zee and The Sound I Saw: The Jazz Photographs evolution of Yoruba-rooted performative practice of Roy DeCarava. Prof. Dawson has also taught in Philadelphia from the mid-20th Century to the seminars on African Spirituality in the Americas at present; a performative exploration of the social Columbia University, University of Iowa, New York and cultural environmental factors that produced University, and Yale University. He currently works an “inspired circle” of jazz innovators, including with New York University (the Gallatin School), John Coltrane, Odean Pope, Jymie Merritt, Reggie Columbia University (IRAAS) and Lincoln Center Workman, Shirley Scott, Benny Golson, and others in Out-of-Doors (La Casita). North Philadelphia from 1950 to 1970; and partici- pation in building a global infrastructure to support TJ Dean is an educator, organizer, the field of art, culture, and conflict transformation. and graphic design artist based She has received numerous awards and fellow- in Philadelphia. He is an Afro- ships, including ones from the Pew Center for Arts & futurist, which, simply put, means Heritage, the Leeway Foundation, the Independence he acts on the belief that Black Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation, Pennsylvania people can and should create Council on the Arts, and Pennsylvania Humanities their own futures. In line with Council. Before pursuing an arts practice full-time, that belief, he owns a brand she had a 30-year career in law. She serves on called Dope Afrofuturist, which promotes visions boards dedicated to the arts and arts for social of a Black future. He also serves as the Senior change, including the Leeway Foundation, Public Manager of Youth Programs at the Village of Arts Citizens for Children and Youth’s Picasso Project, & Humanities and has an abundance of experience and ArsNova Workshop. working with young people from his years as a teacher and as a Dream Director. TJ has a heart for justice, which has propelled him into community organizing work, as well as campaigns to end police brutality and to free political prisoners like Mumia Abu Jamal. When he isn’t working to politi- cally educate and empower youth around the city of Philadelphia, he is at home with his wife Lakeisha, raising three of their own free Black children. Visit his website: dopeafrofuturist.com

7 special thanks

event sponsors

This performance is made possible through the generous support of Lyn and Barry Chasen, Mike and Luanne Gutermuth, and Lydia Micheaux Marshall.

Home Delivery Plus performances recorded at Sixth & I are made possible in part through the generous support of the Galena-Yorktown Foundation.

Linger Longers on Home Delivery Plus are made possible through the generous support of an anonymous donor.

“We are extremely honored to be able to co-sponsor this amazing event, Dizzy Spellz, featuring Sean Jones and Brinae Ali. Our biggest regret is that we cannot be present for their live performance. We look forward to the day that we can experience their artistic genius first-hand. Washington Performing Arts holds a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to joining everyone in the near future to celebrate extraordinary performers like these in person.” – Lyn and Barry Chasen

series sponsors

Thank you to the following lead supporters of Washington Performing Arts’s mission-driven work in 2020/21, including presentation of Home Delivery Plus: Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated; D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Betsy and Robert Feinberg; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts; Tom Gallagher; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts.

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