Harlem 100: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary
of the Harlem Renaissance
featuring Mwenso and The Shakes
with special guests Brianna Thomas, Michela Marino Lerman, and Vuyo Sotashe

One hundred years after one of the most culturally significant periods in human history, Harlem, New York, is in the midst of a resurging creative movement sparked by the centenarian embers left by the wildfire that was the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance has since proven to be an unrivaled period of brilliance in both profound intelligent expression and preeminent entertainment.

The performance features Mwenso and The Shakes, a prolific music collective based in Harlem that encounters an unexpected journey when a power outage leads them to discover their connection to the historical figures and great American artists that inspire them today. The musicians bask in the merits and tidings of their ancestral forbearers such as Fats Waller, Bessie Smith, and Duke Ellington, who once lived in the same neighborhood.

This show created collectively through a devised process with the cast invites audiences to enjoy and take part in this interactive, high energy music experience celebrating the rich history of the Harlem Renaissance.

The performers include bandleader Michael Mwenso, vocalists Vuyo Sotashe and Brianna Thomas, drummer Kyle Poole, bassist Russell Hall, pianist/keyboardist Mathis Picard, saxophonists Julian Lee and Ruben Fox, and tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman.

Artists will engage in a discussion with audience members after the performance.