The Community Folk Art Center and Syracuse University will pay tribute to Aretha Franklin on Friday, November 30th, with a concert and panel discussion about the legendary singer’s life and career. Cedric Bolton is with Syracuse University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs and co-chair of the event.
He believes what made Franklin so special was not necessarily her music but her impact on society to become more equal and accepting.
"A black woman's perspective, right? In a time, where the racial tensions and struggles were ever present and how did that song then transcend all these different generations of movements."
The panel of religious leaders, activists, professors and authors will take questions from four categories: spirituality, activism, community and Franklin’s musical career. The local group Brownskin Band will perform some of Franklin’s best and most impactful pieces. Bolton says he is excited to see groups of all ages participate.
"You know Aretha represents excellence and we really want to highlight the love that people in these generations, because there are going to be different generations of people who are participating with the panel, the concert and the community conversations."
But a tribute to an excellent woman deserves an excellent performance and certainly a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That’s why the Brownskin Band held auditions for its group and has been tirelessly rehearsing for the show. Many of the performers are actually Syracuse University students. One of the band’s vocalists is Tamar Smithers, who is also the Education Director for the Folk Art Center. She says she admires Franklin not only for her vocal skills but her character, having influenced multiple generations with her lyrics.
"To be able to just reinvent herself over the six decades of her career and I think that is important as an artist to be able to reinvent yourself, but still stay true to the essence of who you are as an artist."
Smithers and her bandmates will perform an hour-long set. The panel discussion will also be followed by an audience Q&A. The entire tribute is free and open to the public, and will be held at the Community Folk Art Center on East Genesee Street Friday evening at 6:30.
