08/21/10 – Bohemian Caverns

Rising young vocalist and composer Akua Allrich will pay tribute to noteworthy artists who have inspired her and millions of other jazz and music lovers around the globe: Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone.

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Akua Allrich was educated at Howard University in the School of Fine Arts, where she studied jazz vocals. She was taught, coached and mentored by talented musicians such as world-renowned singer Kehembe V. Eichelberger, singer/drummer Grady Tate, and pianist Charles Covington. Her musical roots run deeply into blues, jazz and rhythm and blues. She also infuses her own work with elements of African genres and American soul. She sings in the many languages of contemporary jazz including Zulu, Xhosa, Portuguese, French, Spanish and English. In July, she celebrated the release of her own album, A Peace of Mind, with a concert at the Caverns.

Her band will feature Janielle Gill (keyboards), Kristopher Funn on bass and John Lamkin on drums.