Music legends Mavis Staples and Taj Mahal to Perform In Verizon Hall
February 21, 2006
Taj Mahal
This performance is a part of Kimmel Center Presents’ Sovereign Bank World Pop Mix. Upcoming performances in the series include: The Chieftains on March 12, 2006 at 3pm; and Jerry Blavat’s Geator Gold on April 15, 2006 at 8pm. Also upcoming is Medeski, Martin and Wood on April 7, 2006 at 8:30pm; and Cesaria Evora with Keren Ann on April 13, 2006 at 8pm.
Tickets for Mavis Staples and Taj Mahal are $67, $57, $47, and $33 and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online or at the Kimmel Center Box Office, open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings. (Additional fees may apply) For group sales call 215-893-5883.
In both collaborations and solos, Mavis Staples is recognized as one of the most powerful soul voices of America, a giant among legends. Staples began her singing career with her family, the Staple Singers. They started out as a pure gospel group, singing at local churches and radio shows, but soon got involved in the Civil Rights movement through their friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1969, Staples began her solo career and earned a Grammy nomination in 2003 for her duet with Bob Dylan. She has also performed with Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Prince. In 2005, the Staple Singers received the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences’ Lifetime Achievement Award at the Academy’s 47th Annual Grammy Awards.
A self-taught musician and multi-Grammy winner, Taj Mahal is committed to aggressive musical discovery beyond what most big record companies are willing to market. His music incorporates the sounds of Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, as well as Hawaii and a multitude of other places where he has lived and traveled. Even his instrumental prowess reaches across the board, from the guitar to the trombone. Through his music, he not only reaches back to his own roots but connects people of all races on a global musical platform, creating a much-needed cultural bridge in the age of globalization. To date, Taj Mahal has received nine Grammy nominations and two wins. He walked away with the trophy for Best Contemporary Blues Album for Señor Blues (1997) and again for Shoutin' in Key (2000), both recorded with The Phantom Blues Band. Famous for his musical collaborations, he has also played with innumerable other musicians, everyone from Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters to Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton.
A limited number of $10 tickets are available for every Kimmel Center Presents performance at the Kimmel Center. Tickets go on sale the day of the event and can be purchased at the Kimmel Center box office beginning 2.5 hours prior to evening performances and 11:30am for matinees.
Kimmel Center Presents’ 2005/2006 season is supported by: Mellon Financial Corporation, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Sovereign Bank, The American Express Company, Verizon Foundation, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The William Penn Foundation. Special Student Matinees at the Kimmel Center are generously supported by Merck & Co., Inc. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Kimmel Center Presents. Toyota is the Official Vehicle of Kimmel Center Presents Jazz and World Pop programming. In-kind support is generously provided by Deloitte and Southern Wine and Spirit. NBC-10 is a Media Partner for Kimmel Center Presents.
KIMMEL CENTER PRESENTS
Sovereign Bank World Pop Mix
Saturday, March 11, 2006 | 8pm
Verizon Hall
Mavis Staples, lead vocals
Yvonne Staples, vocals
Steve Fordham, keyboards
Wil Crosby, guitar
Tony Grady, bass
Tim Austin, drums
Taj Mahal,lead vocals
Bill Rich, bass
Kester Smith, drums
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