Tickets: Free with RSVP
A Virtual Event
Genre: Conversation
Arts & Ideas, Education
From Babatundi Olatunji and Hugh Masekela to Miriam Makeba, Salif Keita, and Burna Boy, the Apollo stage has provided a nexus between the African and the African American performance experience. For this Live Wire event, Juilliard ethnomusicologist Fredara Hadley engages with contemporary artists about some of the legendary artists and historic performances on the Apollo stage, and the significance of Africa Now! in honoring the music of the African diaspora in the contemporary world.
The Apollo’s Live Wire series was created to spark deeper insight and consideration of the contribution of Black arts and culture to the broader American canon. These electrifying events feature discussion with unpredictable and impromptu performative elements that shed new light on the timely topics of today.
Panelists include:
Abdel R. Salaam | Artistic Director, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre and Dance Africa
Jamilla Deria | Executive Director at UMass Fine Arts Center
Hélèn and Célia Faussart | Les Nubians
Leadership support for the Apollo Education Programs is provided by BNY Mellon, Fund II, the Hearst Foundations, the Jerome L. Greene Arts Access Fund in the New York Community Trust, The Pinkerton Foundation, and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with New York Council Members Ben Kallos and Bill Perkins.
Africa Now Festival
Music and entertainment from the continent continues to drive trends across all facets of culture around the globe. The Apollo’s Africa Now! Festival returns for its eighth year to celebrate the best cultural innovators from the African Diaspora.
HOW TO WATCH
Questions about tuning into the event? Check out the Digital Stage Viewing Guide for tips and tricks for the best viewing experience.
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Moderator
Fredara Mareva Hadley, Ph.D
Fredara Mareva Hadley, Ph.D
Fredara Mareva Hadley, Ph.D. is an ethnomusicology professor at The Juilliard School. She specializes in researching, writing, and teaching African American and African diasporic music. Committed to sharing knowledge about black music by any means possible, Fredara has published in both academic journals and outlets including Billboard, Revolt, and Spin. She’s presented her research topics at universities around the country and at conferences both domestic and abroad. Her commentary is featured in projects including The BBC documentary Killing Me Softly: The Roberta Flack Story and the PBS’ docuseries, Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music. Her newest project focuses on Shirley Graham DuBois, one of the earliest Black women musicologists and opera composers.