The true pioneers of American music were women!
Against a backdrop of oppression and segregation in the post slavery era, musical artists Ida Cox, Ma Rainey, Alberta Hunter, Billie Holliday, and Bessie Smith , to name a few— were not only great entertainers, but their unapologetically honest and sometimes bawdy or controversial lyrics, inspired fearlessness and authenticity, while thrilling crowds across America. In this program, Kirsten Thien & Erik Boyd perform select songs from these ladies’ 1920s and 30's catalogs, talking about and demonstrating some of their original styles, describing the conditions and lifestyle these women endured in order to bring the Blues to the greater public, and how, as the Blues caught on, would significantly transform over time both musically and culturally while retaining elements of the original styles. Kirsten and Erik also share a few of their own original contemporary Blues songs and discuss how the early Blues women still inspire music today—almost 100 years later!
About the performers:
Kirsten Thien’s unlikely path from a Business School graduate to a Blues and Roots Rock singer/songwriter began just weeks before college graduation when she decided to forgo a career on Wall Street for a life in music. Since then she has released five studio albums and toured the USA, Canada and Europe extensively. Her most recent release “Two Sides” has enjoyed worldwide radio airplay and held a top 5 position on the Root Music Report Blues Charts for over three months.
Erik Boyd is a musician, writer, and producer. He has toured, recorded, or played bass with The Mamas & The Papas, Black 47, Mary Wells, Little Anthony, and many more. In recent years, Erik has played shows in Norway, Germany, Ukraine, and India.
The Main Library on Plainfield Avenue next to the Edison Train Station. The library offers an extensive children’s room, a Meeting Room/Event Space, and a dedicated Maker Space.
