FOUR WOMEN: A Tribute to Nina Simone

“An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.  I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians, as far as I’m concerned, it is their choice. But I chose to reflect the times and the situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. ….How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?”
                                                                             -Nina Simone
                                                                               1933 - 2003

Picture
 This collaborative concert is a reverent celebration of her artistry, her genius and her commitment to the reflection of the times and the strength of art to create change.  Her original songs, “Young, Gifted and Black” and Mississippi God dam” among many others, became the unapologetic, defiant, soul searing score of the Civil Rights Movement.  We are vocalists and musicians who have been  transformed by Nina Simone. 
Click below to view a clip of this engaging concert:
What people say about the show:
​You may not buy into my political points of view, but you can bet the farm on my musical tastes!
This is bound to be the best musical event/concert of the year in Boston!
This Thursday night, four of the most heralded divas of blues, soul, & jazz, in Boston, will perform a tribute concert to Nina Simone.
They will sing inspired and soul-stirring renditions of classic Simone songs like,
See Line Woman, I Put A Spell On You, Sinner Man; Young, Gifted & Black, and, of course, Mississippi God Dam, as well as many others!
Sell whatever you have to sell, lie to whoever you have to lie to, but don't miss this show!
-​CHEF CHARLES DRAGHI, OWNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL REKNOWN RESTAURANT, ERBALUCE & PLAYWRIGHT
Last night I had the privilege to attend "Four Women - A tribute to Nina Simone at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, featuring Valerie Stephens, Sympli Whitney, Athene Wilson, Yma Arrington, U-Meleni Mhalaba-Adebo, Rollins Ross, Wain Jonze, Akili Jamal Haynes, Daniel Day. This performance was a dream come true for narrator/singer U-Meleni Mhalaba-Adebo who had envisioned it. This is my thank you note to the artists...You were fantastic, all of you, this evening was truly a gift! So much passion and sincerity you delivered with respect to Nina's soul on fire and bitter-sweet messages, as strong and vulnerable as she was, you gave the best tribute to her outspokenness. Five of you coming together to narrate and sing ~ like the five fingers of one hand, five branches of one star.. with a great group of musicians to back you up in unity while standing out individually with wit and dexterity and underlying dance that kept the audience moving. So grateful I was able to attend!
​-VERONIQUE-ANNE EPITER, SONGWRITER
Valerie Stephens’ new project, entitled “4 Women” is both a tribute to the late Nina Simone, and a tribute to the talented Ms. Stephens.  Valerie consistently delivers on imaginative, quality productions that are timely, well-thought-out and a pleasure for audiences to experience.  Bravo!
​-​SHELLY NEILL, E.D, CAMBRIDGE MULTICULTURAL CENTER
"Mississippi Goddam" also brought down the house and standing ovation as did "To Be Young Gifted and Black" Sung by the four fantastic women in concert in tribute to Nina Simone. My favorite two Nina songs. Nina, the high priestess of soul 
And the incredible Valerie Stephens singing Mississippi Goddamn, Ferguson Goddam, Baltimore Goddamn, Charleston Goddam. And, of course, I wept all through this song too. Valerie Stephens , Athene Wilson, Yma Arrington and Sympli Whitney sang this song tonight, the anthem of the Civil Rights movement, at the most magnificent "Four Women Concert" tribute to Nina Simone they brought down the house, of course, tears streaming down my face throughout. 
-SHEILA PARKERS