Aaron Davis Hall City College Center for the Arts
Harry Balafonte
The work and life of legendary artist and activist Harry Belafonte will be celebrated at a concert at Aaron Davis Hall on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. “Turn the World Around: The Music and Legacy of Harry Belafonte” will present audiences with a special evening of songs and stories in honor of and on the icon’s 91st birthday. Presented by City College Center for the Arts (CCCA), the concert will showcase performances by members of the Belafonte Alumni Group, a collection of artists who have toured with and shared the stage with Harry Belafonte for decades, including vocalists Ty Stephens and Branice McKenzie (Shown here), along with pianist/Belafonte musical director Richard Cummings Jr.
Ty Stephens & Branice McKenzie
The “Turn the World Around” tribute concert will allow audiences to experience a multimedia event including songs from the Belafonte catalog performed by those who know him best as they share anecdotes of their time with the legend both onstage and off. As they celebrate Harry Belafonte’s life and his many contributions to music and political activism, Stephens and McKenzie will be joined by fellow Belafonte Alumni Group members, including La Tanya Hall, Sam McKelton, Sharon Brooks, Gabrielle Lee, Deborah Sharpe-Taylor and Roumel Reaux. They will be accompanied by Emanuel “Chulo” Gatewood (bass), Damon DueWhite (drums), Gregg Fine (electric guitar), Paul Ricci (acoustic guitar), Neil Clarke (percussion), and John F. Adams (keyboard). Under the musical direction of Richard Cummings Jr., the evening will include renditions of hit songs including “Turn the World Around,” “Try to Remember,” “Jamaica Farewell,” “Banana Boat Song,” and more.
Tickets, $30 general admission and $20 for seniors and students with valid I.D., are available for purchase online at www.citycollegecenterforthearts.org or by calling the box office at (212) 650-6900. Patrons wishing to buy tickets in person before the March 1 concert date may visit Aaron Davis Hall Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Aaron Davis Hall is located on the campus of the City College of New York, at West 135th Street and Convent Avenue (129 Convent Avenue).