FREE to Attend, No Registration Required · Doors open at 6:30pm
Gaye traces the history of blues women from the 1920s to today, sharing powerful clips from legends like Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton, Etta Baker, and Etta James. She reveals how the voices of working-class Black women are preserved in blues lyrics, while also highlighting the vocal techniques—wails, growls, phrasing, and more—that bring drama and immediacy to their performances. These trailblazers have deeply influenced Gaye’s own music and songwriting.
This program coincides with FAM’s Living Legacies exhibit, which is dedicated to honoring Ms. Gaye’s life-long contributions to music and community.
Seating is first come, first served — expect a full house!
About Ms. Gaye:
Blues Music Award winner Gaye Todd Adegbalola performs and writes songs in the tradition of the classic blues women of the 1920s, finding humor in the hardships of everyday life and delivering thought‑provoking social commentary. A modern griot, Gaye has toured extensively across the U.S. and abroad. She is best known as a co‑founder of Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women (1984–2009), who recorded exclusively for Alligator Records. Gaye has released nine recordings on her own Hot Toddy Music label and is the recipient of the Jus’ Blues Foundation’s KoKo Taylor “Queen of the Blues” Award for preserving traditional blues heritage.
Growing up in segregated Virginia and sitting‑in during the 1960s, Gaye is a lifelong activist who continues to give voice to those marginalized by society. Her many honors include being named an OUTstanding Virginian by Equality Virginia for championing LGBTQ rights and receiving the Kristin Lems “Social Change Through Music” Award at the National Women’s Music Festival. She is also a former Virginia State Teacher of the Year for 8th grade science.
By the definition of her life’s work, Gaye is indeed a griot, a storyteller, teacher, and keeper of history. In addition to performing, she is in demand for workshops and lectures. Gaye lives with her wife, Queen Lovelace, and their son, Juno Lumumba. Learn more at www.adegbalola.com.
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