The latest series from 651 ARTS will see a number of local artists share their performance, process and plight as they connect with small audiences on the main stage of the Billie Holiday Theatre.
“With the series, we wanted to invoke the salons of the Harlem Renaissance — having a safe space for real and meaningful conversation and connection between artists and audience. Ultimately, we want Song Salon to be the place that gives artists the springboard to do what they do best — create,” said 651’s Executive Director, Toya Lillard.
651 ARTS is partnering with Bed-Stuy’s Billie Holiday Theater to host the Song Salon series.
“We are so excited to partner with the Billie on the inaugural Song Salon series. As two Brooklyn-based institutions — which both represent legacy and share so many synergies — this collaboration is an amazing opportunity for us to use our collective power to advance and amplify Black artistic voices and stories,” said Lillard.
The Song Salon series will be held at the Billie every Thursday in May. Each week will feature a different artist.
The new series draws inspiration from the historical importance of the salon to Black creativity and expression.
Salons have historically served as safe spaces where Black artists, thinkers and creators gather to discuss and express themselves.
For instance, arts patron A’Lelia Walker — daughter of America’s first self-made female millionaire Madame C.J. Walker — hosted salons at her home in Harlem attended by the writers, poets, artists, musicians and activists who defined the Harlem Renaissance.
The Song Salon series has been designed to be a space for creatives to try new things, revisit old things or simply talk through things and to further connect with audiences on a more intimate and personal level.
“As we continue to celebrate the Billie’s 50th anniversary season, we are thrilled to partner with a wonderful institution that embodies innovation. 651 Arts' programming is closely aligned with our mission to tell our stories, support artists across the Diaspora and provide a space for Black creativity and expression to flourish,” said Blondel Pinnock, president and CEO of Restoration.
“For both of our institutions, this collaboration is an exciting opportunity to extend our reach throughout the greater Brooklyn area and to further establish our commitment to our community.”
Song Salon series - schedule and artists:
May 4 - Jordyn Davis
Jordyn Davis is a Brooklyn-based vocalist, bassist, composer and songwriter. Davis has performed and worked with artists such as Micheal Dease, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Craig Harris and William Delisfort. She is the proud leader of her own band Composetheway.
Davis was recently featured on the PBS series "Music for Social Justice." She is also one of two inaugural Jazz Leader Fellowship recipients from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and a teaching artist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
May 11 - Terron Austin
Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter Terron Austin recently made his solo debut with a feature on summer 2022’s "B-Boy Blues" soundtrack. In 2022, Austin garnered the lead single and title cut from the compilation project "Lovers Lane." Austin has collaborated with TLC, Teedra Moses, B. Slade, Shanice, Durand Bernarr and Erykah Badu.
May 18 - Candice Hoyes
Candice Hoyes is a singer, producer, songwriter, filmmaker and archivist. Hoyes’ recent works include Carnegie Hall, Detroit Symphony, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Caramoor, NYC JazzFest, Blue Note and collaborations with Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
As an activist, she was commissioned by Michelle Obama's When We All Vote and National Black Theater to create performance art to mobilize Black voters. A Harvard, Columbia Law and TED alum, Hoyes is also an alumnae of the Woodshed Network. She is set to release her experimental jazz album, "Nite Bjuti" in this summer.
May 25 - Nicholas Ryan Gant
Nicholas Ryan Gant is a New York-based artist and educator from Phoenix, Arizona. He was a participant in the Lincoln Center Scholars program and is a recipient of the 2020 Paul Simon Music Fellowship.
Grant is also an accomplished vocal coach for several artists. As a vocal composer, Grant has collaborated with choreographers Malik Washington, Francine E. Ott and Kyle Abraham.
651 ARTS
651 ARTS is celebrating its 35th anniversary year with its current season, entitled: Liminal Spaces: Homebound.
The organization is also preparing for the grand opening of its first-ever permanent home in early summer, which will be located in downtown Brooklyn.
The Billie Holiday Theater is located at 1368 Fulton St in Brooklyn. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
