The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space Names Madison McFerrin Its 2019 Fall Artist-In-Residence

The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space Names Singer-Songwriter Madison McFerrin Its 2019 Fall Artist-In-Residence

 

McFerrin to Present “The Sissieretta Series”
Three Evenings of Artistic Performance and Conversation
Beginning November 5, 2019

 

(New York, NYOctober 25, 2019) – The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space, the live event space and broadcast studio of WNYC and WQXR, has announced that singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin will serve as its 2019 Fall Artist-in-Residence. Her enthralling and unique sound has garnered much acclaim, with Questlove characterizing it as formidable “soul-appella.”

The Greene Space’s Artist-in-Residence program supports artists, curators, and collectives who are remaking culture in New York by commissioning and presenting audiences with world premiere works, live performances, and insights into their passions and processes through enriching conversations. 

During the span of the three-month residency, McFerrin will present “The Sissieretta Series” -- a series of multidisciplinary performances and conversations by New York City-based comedians, musicians, visual artists, and other creatives. 

“The Sissieretta Series” was inspired by and named after 19th-century soprano Sissieretta Jones, who held innovative productions that showcased her unique vocals and her friends’ talents. 

"Sissieretta Jones was a strong, black woman during a time when we were told we weren’t allowed to be,” says McFerrin. “Although she was considered one of the top vocalists of her day, she was denied opportunities to perform in the major U.S. opera houses.  Undaunted, she created her own vaudeville show that not only showcased her powerhouse vocals, but also provided fellow black artists with a place to perform without the humiliation of minstrelsy during its heyday in the 19th century. Her poise and determination inspired me to use my platform in a similar way to create spaces to uplift fellow women of color, allowing them to perform on their own terms."

 

“The Sissieretta Series” kicks off on Tuesday, November 5 featuring DJ Fiveboi, musician Melissa McMillan, comedian Marie Faustin, a conversation about inclusivity and community building with the founders of Ethel’s Club, and more.

 “The Greene Space’s residency supports New York City artists and enriching our spirits with their creativity,” said Jennifer Sendrow, Executive Producer, The Greene Space. “Madison McFerrin’s powerful voice wraps around you, drawing you into a gorgeous ephemeral space she creates for reflection, truth, and joy. We are thrilled to have her not only performing, but also curating a lineup of other remarkable artists and creators in The Greene Space this fall.”

"I’m incredibly grateful to share the stage with so many dynamic women of color. This community uplifts and inspires me, I hope ‘The Sissieretta Series’ does the same for everyone who experiences it." says McFerrin of her residency at The Greene Space.

NPR described Madison McFerrin as “a singer-songwriter on the rise” and Pitchfork Magazine declared “McFerrin is making a cappella cool again.” Her one-of-a-kind vocals can be heard in episodes of Comedy Central’s Broad City and HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness. Her residency coincides with the launch of her new EP “You and I,” out November 21, along with a North American tour November 21 through December 3.

The Greene Space’s first Artist-In-Residence was Dessa – rapper, composer, essayist, and author of the critically acclaimed memoir My Own Devices

WHAT:                  Madison McFerrin Presents: The Sissieretta Series

WHEN:                  Tuesday, November 5, 2019

                             Tuesday, December 2, 2019

                             Tuesday, January 7, 2020

                             All performances begin at 7pm and will be available for live streaming at thegreenspace.org.

WHERE:                The Greene Space, 44 Charlton Street, New York, NY (corner of Varick Street)

HOW:                    Tickets are $20 per event; available at thegreenespace.org

                             Each show will be preceded by a happy hour featuring live DJ sets and artisanal crafts for sale  from local vendors.

Lead philanthropic support for The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space is provided by The Jerome L. Greene Foundation. Additional support for the Greene Space comes from the Howard Gilman Foundation, MetLife Foundation, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

 

ABOUT THE JEROME L. GREENE PERFORMANCE SPACE

The Greene Space is the street-level broadcast studio and performance venue of WNYC and WQXR, channeling the collective genius in New York City to create forward-looking live art, theater, and journalism that sparks change. It brings audiences to the intersection of art and politics by leading courageous conversations and curating performances of intense beauty that are deeply rooted locally but relevant to audiences globally. For more information, visit www.thegreenespace.org

 

ABOUT THE JEROME L. GREENE FOUNDATION

The Jerome L. Greene Foundation supports select programs that make a significant impact on the lives of all New Yorkers in the areas of the arts, education, medicine and social justice. Its 40-year history is grounded in the vision of its founder, Jerry Greene, to give back to the city he loved. Today the Foundation honors his commitment by continuing to fund quality institutions and programs, and by identifying new ways to increase access to the arts and education, create opportunity for ground-breaking medical research, and help ensure social justice for all.