Solange brings her masterful eye in curation to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) this year. "Eldorado Ballroom" by Solange for Saint Heron is a 7-show series that commemorates decades of explorative performance. In Saint Heron's program notes, the inspiration for this collection of shows is described further: "Solange’s dedication to reverencing and preserving the works of Black practitioners through Saint Heron continues with a lineup consisting of contemporary and historic creative revolutionaries whose artistry and innovation has left a profound mark on music and performance art." Accordingly, the seven programs will feature a variety of different artists, carefully intermingling to depict "intergenerational expressions."
To start, Kelela, Res, and Keiyaa will collectively kick off the program on March 30th. All three performers will showcase their vast and dynamic genre-blending takes on R&B, with Kelela incorporating electronic, Res fusing rock and soul, and Keiyaa involving spiritual sound in her performance. Saint Heron notes that "the lineup calls the audience’s attention toward a greater expanse of musical territory drawn directly from the technological frequency of Black women’s experimentation in music production."
Solange For Saint Heron Presents "Eldorado Ballroom"
The following 6 programs follow in a similar suit while still exploring a different range. March 31st & April 1st will host "Type Of Guest," featuring Autumn Knight and Marren Hassinger and their performance art. Following this is "Glory To Glory (A Revival For Devolution Art)", which depicts religious expression in music. After, "The Cry For My People" will follow with Archie Shepp, Linda Sharrock and Claudia Rankine leading a musical performance and poetry reading reflecting Black life in America. "Unseen Nuyorican Pictures" and "Coeval Dance Films" are the fifth and sixth shows on the program. The former is a film examining Latin creative expression in NYC, and the latter presents "Black and contemporary dance films." The final installment of the program takes place in September, with "On Dissonance: An Evening of Classical and Opera Works" completing "Eldorado Ballroom."
"Eldorado Ballroom," coined after a historic Black music hall in Solange's neighborhood of Houston, exemplifies the power of experimental artistry. Based on both BAM and Saint Heron's multigenerational communities, this show likely will appeal to a large audience. Clearly, Solange has carefully curated this exquisitely crafted list of artistry. Tickets can be purchased online via BAM's website.