From the Promoter

Nikki D. and the Sisters of Thunder, all singers from an early age, grew up in the House of God church in Toledo, Ohio. Their parents, Rev. Curtis Brown and Ruth Brown, encouraged them to learn various musical instruments and eventually forming the Brown Family Singers in the 1970s. Nikki D gravitated to the steel guitar, and has become not only an accomplished steel guitarist in her church but one of only a few female guitarists in the Sacred Steel tradition. As one reviewer wrote, “She’s the perfect combination of chops and showmanship. If Jimi Hendrix played Sacred Steel, he’d sound and act like Nikki D.” Joining Nikki are four of her sisters: Gloria Brown (lead guitar), Chayla Brown (drums), Tomika Webb (bass guitar), and Belinda Brown (vocals).

Jane Bunnett is a five-time Juno Award winner, Jane Bunnett, has turned her bands and recordings into showcases for the finest musical talent from Canada, the US, and Cuba. She has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, received The Order of Canada, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and, most recently, The Premier’s Award for Excellence. An internationally acclaimed musician, Bunnett is known for her creative integrity, improvisational daring, and courageous artistry. Her exploration of Afro-Cuban melodies expresses the universality of music, and her ability to embrace and showcase the rhythms and culture of Cuba has been ground-breaking. She has toured the world bringing her own special sound to numerous jazz festivals, displaying her versatility as a flutist, saxophone player, and pianist.

Shakura S’Aida is a Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised and Canadian-based artist. Shakura S’Aida has performed at festivals in Dubai, Europe, Australia, Rwanda and Russia. She has created a new symphony orchestra concert, “Blues in G Minor: 4 Women”, featuring the blues music of Etta, Billie, and Nina, in her 4 woman tribute to Nina Simone, “The Nina Project”. This talented artist is known as both singer and actor. Her scorching vocal style earned her a runner-up position in the 2008 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. More than 100 bands from more than 20 different countries competed. She’s been a featured artist with musicians like Jimmy Smith, Lee Oskar (WAR), Bettye LaVette and Keb Mo’.