BROOKLYN-BASED ANNA WHATT TO SING AT URBAN ROOTS 7/11-14

New Meanings presents Contemporary Black Performance Series

Thursday, July 11^th through Sunday, July 14^th

Photo provided

New Meanings is pleased to present the Contemporary Black Performance Series featuring Brooklyn-based vocalist Amma Whatt. The inaugural artist residency starts Thursday, July 11^th at 12pm and runs until Sunday, July 14^th.

New Meanings was created by Arif Smith and Berta Jottar to explore and nurture contemporary developments in African and African Diasporic performance practices through symposia, residencies, and workshops, the inaugural artist residency features Brooklyn-based vocalist Amma Whatt. Last year, the Soultracks.com nominee for Best New Artist released her debut EP "Maybe," debuting at #3 in the r&b/soul category on Bandcamp.com and catapulting Amma to the top of the list of new underground indie favorites. The Afro-pop-soul chanteuse honed her skills at Howard University and touring extensively as a supporting vocalist, songwriter, and producer. With the Grammy-nominated songwriting team Big Drawz Music, Amma co-wrote “Just the Way You Are” for Kindred and The Family Soul. She’s now the lead vocalist and co-composer for international touring group Vinx and the Groove Heroes. 

This month's New Meanings artist residency includes performances on: 

Thursday, July 11^th at the Myriad Gardens at 12pm in collaboration with Art Moves,

Friday, July 12^th at Urban Roots at 9pm, and 

Sunday, July 14^th at Urban Roots at 9pm in collaboration with Ph.D. Entertainment’s Sunset Sundays. 

New Meanings: Contemporary Black Performance Series is sponsored by SixTwelve, Arts Council OKC, It’s My Community, Urban Roots, Ph.D. Entertainment, and Afrikanation Artists Organization. For more information about New Meanings, please contact newmeanings.blackperformance@gmail.com.

About The Curator

Arif Smith is an educator, performing artist, and organizer living in Oklahoma City. His curatorial projects focus on contemporary African Diasporic performance practices. He has curated events and exhibitions at Williams College, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), Individual Artists of Oklahoma (IAO), and Urban Roots.