The fifth annual Black Women's Roots Festival celebrates powerful, pioneering Black women in blues, jazz, folk, gospel, classical, and Afro-Cuban music. Showcasing a dynamic lineup of legendary artists, renowned performers, and emerging talent, this intergenerational program features the finest vocalists and instrumentalists of roots music that you'll find anywhere in the world! Join us for what is sure to be a fantastic evening of music and culture.
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol is a celebrated icon in the Bay Area music scene and beyond, known for her powerful voice and remarkable versatility across genres such as jazz, blues, gospel, and funk. With a career spanning over 60 years, Faye Carol has developed a unique sound and style that draws from Black Music traditions while mentoring some of the brightest talents in the Bay Area, including Benny Green, Marcus Shelby, and Kehlani. Her rich legacy includes performances alongside legends like Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles. As an educator, she founded the School of The Getdown and has been honored with numerous awards, including the Bay Area Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Hero Award and the prestigious Hewlett 50 Arts Commission. Faye Carol continues to inspire audiences with her dynamic performances and unwavering dedication to her craft. Featuring Joe Warner (piano), Heshima Mark Williams (bass), and Dante Roberson (drums)
Lady Tramaine Hawkins
Lady Tramaine Hawkins, a 1999 Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, is a legendary vocalist whose powerful, spirit-filled voice has defined gospel music for over five decades. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area to gospel singer Lois Davis, she began recording at age 10 and rose to prominence with the Edwin Hawkins Singers on the groundbreaking hit “Oh Happy Day”—the first gospel song to achieve mainstream chart success. A trailblazer known for hits like “Changed,” “Going Up Yonder,” and “The Potter’s House,” Tramaine has remained committed to her faith and gospel roots while boldly expanding the genre’s reach. With a celebrated solo career and global ministry impact, she continues to inspire generations. Now residing in Sacramento with husband Tommie E. Richardson, Jr., she remains active in music and ministry, most recently releasing I Never Lost My Praise, produced by Kurt Carr and her son, Pastor Walter “Jamie” Hawkins. Lady Tramaine Hawkins is one of the most revered and enduring voices in gospel music—a true living legend who continues to uplift, inspire, and break barriers through her unwavering faith and extraordinary gift.
Linda Tillery
Linda Tillery is a Grammy nominated vocalist, producer, drummer, percussionist, and cultural historian. She has been an influential force in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene for nearly 60 years. Her entry into performing was as lead singer in the psychedelic soul band, Loading Zone. The Loading Zone released one recording on RCA Victor, played at the Fillmore East and West opening for Arlo Guthrie, Chuck Berry, Cream, Vanilla Fudge, Janis Joplin, Iron Butterfly and Tiny Tim. After leaving the Loading Zone, Tillery released her first solo recording Sweet Linda Devine (CBS 1970) and her second solo recording Secrets (411 1984). Considered a pioneer in “Women’s Music,” Tillery recorded with Mary Watkins, Holly Near, Teresa Trull, Deidre McCalla, Barbara Higbie, Be Be K’Roche, The Washington Sisters, Casselberry and Dupree, Gwen Avery and June Millington. She is the founder and Artistic Director of Linda TIllery and the Cultural Heritage Choir, an African American roots music ensemble that gained both National and international acclaim traveling to 22 countries and releasing four recordings. Other recording credits include Boz Scaggs, Tracy Nelson, Santana, Wilson Picket, Taj Mahal, Eric Bibb, Vicki Randle, Ray Obiedo, The Whispers, Little Jr. Parker and KITKA. Tillery was also a founding member of Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra, a 10 member a cappella ensemble that also toured internationally.
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder is a third-generation preacher, gospel artist, and advocate for justice, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. As the founder of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991, she has dedicated her life to blending worship, service, and advocacy for marginalized individuals. Bishop Flunder's musical career began as a lead singer with Walter Hawkins and the Love Center Choir, where she performed on Grammy-winning gospel hits. Her work as a gospel artist and her prophetic advocacy have earned her numerous accolades, including being featured in the PBS documentary "The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song." Bishop Flunder continues to be a powerful voice for justice and equality in both the religious and musical communities.
Miko Marks
Miko Marks is a trailblazing country and roots music artist whose journey reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and resilience. Born in Flint, Michigan, Miko was influenced by her mother and grandmother, who instilled in her a passion for equal rights and a love for music. After pursuing a degree in Political Science, Miko initially embarked on a career in country music, releasing two albums and performing at CMA Fest. Despite facing barriers as a Black woman in the genre, Miko's perseverance led her to a musical resurgence in 2021 with her album Our Country, a collaboration that marked her return to the spotlight. Miko's music, including her latest release Feel Like Going Home, is deeply rooted in her experiences and the legacy of the strong women who raised her. Her work continues to inspire and challenge the boundaries of country and roots music.
Big Gems Daughter
Big Gems Daughter is a multi-talented Bay Area artist whose work blends her deep roots in jazz with her passion for hip-hop. A pianist, composer, and music teacher, she transitioned into rapping after producing tracks for others and realizing her own poetic voice belonged on the mic. Her music spans generations and centers themes like African American cultural empowerment, women's beauty, self-love, and entrepreneurship. From her well-received debut album REPRESENT to her recent EP WE REMEMBER GREATNESS and HAPPY 2024, her work showcases an evolving artistic journey. Uplifting and original, her singles like "It’s Black Friday Every Day," "It’s Really Black Music," and "Colorism Blues" continue to highlight her mission.
School of The Getdown presents Miss Faye's Babies
Miss Faye's Babies are young students of renowned vocalist and educator Faye Carol, participating in her School of The Getdown summer camps and after school music programs. These beautiful young singers study the art and history of Black music and performance, and represent our future with strength and purpose. Click the link below to learn more about Miss Faye's educational programs.
You may also like the following events from The Freight:
Also check out other
Music events in Berkeley,
Entertainment events in Berkeley,
Arts events in Berkeley.
|
