This year’s Tribute will bring together many of the college’s music ensembles, a fine professional quartet of guest musicians, and special guest artist, Dorian Lake, in a wide ranging salute to the genius and artistry of many of the finest African American composers, lyricists, and performers. The concert will also mine the riches of African American tradition with a variety of spirituals and gospel songs.
Wagner College Choir, Thomas Juneau, conductor, will perform belovèd spirituals, and Baba Yetu, an African version of the Lord’s Prayer.
Dorian Lake will perform Dream Variations by Margaret Bonds on poetry of Langston Hughes, No Trouble at the River by Jefferson Cleveland, Beautiful by Mali Music, and, in homage to the late, great Al Jarreau, Paul Desmond's Take Five.
The Chamber Singers, under the direction of Roger Wesby, will perform spirituals and gospel music and will feature Dorian Lake on the stirring Trouble at the River.
The Hildegard Ensemble will pay tribute to Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.
Stretto Vocal Ensemble will perform works by Thelonius Monk and Wayne Shorter.
The Wagner College Jazz Ensemble, Ben Sher, director, will perform works by Roy Hargrove, Thelonious Monk, and Baden Powell.
The Wagner College Guitar Ensemble, Ben Sher, director, will perform works by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Branford Marsalis.