Singer-Cellist Bringing Community Together During Concert

WOODSTOCK, GA — Prior to her 7:30 p.m. concert on Saturday as part of the Lantern Series, join Elm Street Cultural Arts Village and musician Shana Tucker for a conversation on the role race plays in the music, arts, and culture communities at 5 p.m. on the Elm Street Event Green in Downtown Woodstock.

Tuckers's melodies weave hints of jazz, classical, soulful folk, acoustic pop, and a touch of R&B into a distinctive rhythmic tapestry through her self-described genre of "ChamberSoul" for the outdoor concert series. This facilitated conversation is courtesy of South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Georgia Council for the Arts.

This will be a community-invited discussion that is free to attend in hopes of creating dialogue and understanding. The conversation and dialogue will focus on the singer-songwriter-cellist's experience playing a historically classical instrument as a Black artist, how and why representation matters, and “how essential it is for all of us to be courageous in our conversations as we seek to better understand one another and share this world,” as Tucker explains.

The panel will include members of Tucker's ensemble for the evening: Nick Rosen, pianist; Justin Varnes, drums; and Robby Handley, bass, with members of Elm Street's administrative and community outreach staff.

“We are proud to bring a musical pioneer to the Lantern Series,” Elm Street’s Production Manager Brian Gamel said. “Shana Tucker has found a new style of music, Chamber Soul, that has the musical excellence of a true classical sound mashed up with all of the emotions and power behind soul music.”

Christopher Brazelton, Elm Street’s executive director, said that this concert could not have come at a better time for the community.

“Shana’s style has deep roots in two very different cultures and that blending is the togetherness we need as a community," Brazelton said.

Tucker's concert is appropriate for all ages to attend. Families, friends, and co-workers alike will enjoy a musical experience that is intimate, improvisational, and unique. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks (no outside alcohol) and decorate their tables. Reformation beer and a variety of wines will be available for purchase.

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village is closely monitoring COVID-19 outbreaks as well as spikes and is working diligently to ensure proper social distancing guidelines are met for the health, safety, and comfort of audience members, volunteers, and the artists. Official protocols and procedures can be found at online.

The Elm Street Event Green is an open-air space and both events will have socially-distant precautions in place.

Tickets are on sale now online. All sales are final and the concert is rain or shine. Tables and seats are available at varying levels.