Alicia Olatuja Program Book

March 11, 2021 7:30 PM

alicia olatuja

intuition: songs from the minds of women

Sponsored by: First National Bank and Holland Basham Architects

about alicia olatuja Once you have listened to acclaimed vocalist, composer and arranger Alicia Olatuja, you won’t soon forget her. Praised in The New York Times as “a singer with a strong and luscious tone,” Olatuja combines the earthy with the sublime, bringing a grounded relatability to genres as lofty as classical, as venerated as jazz, and as gritty as R&B. This evening Olatuja will perform Intuition: Songs From The Minds Of Women. Olatuja lends her distinctive approach to celebrating the artistic output of noted female composers. Intuition features songs by Sade, Angela Bofill, Brenda Russell, Linda Creed, Imogen Heap, Tracy Chapman, Kate Bush, and others. Olatuja picked songs that represented a variety of themes, perspectives, and ages, as well as geographic areas, emphasizing the power of diversity.

Produced by Olatuja, Kamau Kenyatta and Ulysses Owens Jr., with arrangements by noted jazz musicians, Intuition is a showcase for Olatuja’s broad vocal range, deft lyrical interpretation, and elegant phrasing, a sound that may draw comparisons to current soul-pop finds like Ella Mai and H.E.R. while evoking such treasured soul divas as GRAMMY winners Lalah Hathaway, Rachelle Ferrell, and Dianne Reeves.

Intuition is a perfect musical commentary for the times, as women reassert their rights, gain more political clout, and speak out against harassment, abuse, and exploitation in all walks of life. “When we hear the word ‘intuition’ we think of a woman's intuition, that inner, gut-instinct thing that goes beyond mere information,” says Olatuja of the album’s title concept.

“The subtitle From the Minds of Women reminds people that we're not just intuitive, emotional beings. We are intellectual as well. We do know how to connect the emotional and the rational. And when we do that, especially through our work, beautiful and unimaginably creative things are made.”

Band members:* Jon Cowherd, piano David Rosenthal, guitar Ben Williams, bass TJ Reddick, drums *subject to change

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Learn more at o-pa.org/covid

April 16, 2021 7:30 PM Orpheum Theater

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May 8, 2021 7:30 PM Orpheum Theater

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* This show is available for simulcast. Should your comfort level change about an indoor performance you can view the show live from your home. Learn more at ticketomaha.com/faq.

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A Series on Arts and Social Justice During the 2020/2021 Season, we reflect on Black history and racial equity to amplify Black stories, voices and encourage community dialogue.

Live Discussion with PHILADANCO: The Black Voice in Dance Wednesday, April 28, 2021 | 5:30 PM | Online PHILADANCO! has a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides.

Founded in 1970 by Artistic Director Joan Myers Brown, the group is known for using the language of dance to explore Black history, social justice and civil rights. In a panel discussion, Brown, PHILADANCO! company members and Ray Mercer, Omaha native and choreographer for dancing companies across the country, will talk about dance and Black stereotypes in the industry. Aaron Derell, dance educator, will moderate this event.

“Let America Be America Again” Friday, June 25, 2021 | 7:30 PM | Holland Center Titled after the Langston Hughes’ poem, the Voices AMPLIFIED! finale event will feature local literary, musical, dance and visual arts talent-focused around racial equity, social justice and the arts, with an emphasis on both the Black Lives Matter movement and past reflections throughout history.

Featured artists include actor Raydell Cordell III, vocalist Dani Cleveland, vocalist Justin Payne, poet Devel Crisp, poet Withlove Felicia, choreographer and dancer Aaron Derell and members of the Salem Baptist Choir, conducted

by Ananais “Markey” Montague.

learn more at o-pa.org/vamp

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