African American Composer Initiative News

African American Composer Initiative

Our 11th Annual AACI Concerts are coming up January 25 and 26. Tickets will be on sale by mid-November. "Hold Fast to Dreams" is the title of AACI's 2020 concerts. These words by poet Langston Hughes set the tone for the music on this year's program: music uplifting and sustaining to the spirit. The AACI roster of musicians, along with beloved guest jazz artists Valerie Capers and John Robinson return to the performing arts center of Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto to present spirituals, songs, and instrumentals by Charles Lloyd, Jr, Florence Price, Jeremiah Evans, Adolphus Hailstork, William Grant Still, John Robinson, Valerie Capers and jazz greats Duke Ellington and Kenny Dorham. Click here to read a review of our recent concert performance of Zenobia Powell Perry's opera "Tawawa House" at the SF Presidio Chapel. Great News! We have just received a $6,000 challenge grant from three anonymous donors. If we can match the grant, we will be able to fund our 2020 concerts.  With your help, we can. Make a donation to the AACI by December 31st and it will be matched dollar for dollar by the challenge grant. Please donate so that we can bring more of the glorious music of black composers to the community. To donate online, please click here. To donate by check - make check to InterMusic SF, with AACI at the bottom of the check and mail to: AACI c/o LaDoris Cordell 4124 Wilkie Way Palo Alto, CA 94306 See you in January! With best wishes and appreciation for your partnership in our musical journey, LaDoris Cordell, Jodi Gandolfi, Deanne Tucker, co-founders, AACI