On the 19th of June, 1865, Texas became the final state to officially recognize the freedom of enslaved Africans on American soil, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is thus the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in America. In the 5th year of her annual Juneteenth celebration at Joe’s Pub, pianist Nnenna Ogwo returns with her ever brilliant collaborators, Sterling Strings. The pandemic may have forced us to celebrate digitally, but it will still be a party.
In a year of unprecedented challenges to our world and our psyche, now, more than ever we need to make a joyful noise, revel in the creativity of those magnificent musicians of the past and the inheritors of their indomitable spirit. Come celebrate the liberation of Black bodies and minds, and honor their creative musical energy by sharing a night of Black music played by Black musicians.
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Known for bringing exquisite tone color and expressivity to an unusual breadth of repertoire, Nnenna Ogwo has performed in Europe, the Middle East, South America and the United States. An American pianist of Caribbean and African descent, Ms. Ogwo began playing the piano at age six, studying piano and composition at Peabody Conservatory Preparatory in Baltimore, Maryland, and completing her studies at Oberlin College and Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio, the Ferenc Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary and SUNY Stony Brook in New York. Her artistic acumen and acute scholarship result in a profound technical command of her instrument and a thoroughly engaging stage presence. Her current projects involve the expansion of her annual Juneteenth celebration of black music and composition at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre in downtown Manhattan as well as an upcoming recording of the music of composers of the African diaspora.
At this time, our Live! from the Archives videos are no longer available for streaming. To see all our currently available livestreams, please visit us on Youtube at: www.Youtube.com/JoespubNY. 