Bessie Smith

A study of the life and times of Bessie Smith, whose persona was as colorful as the tunes she sang. The "Empress of the Blues" will be featured in a concert/cabaret, starring Tami Tyree. Bessie Smith exemplified the sentiments of the earliest feminist movement, before women's liberation had a name. There will be a 45-minute "set", preceded by a pictorial and followed by a "talk back" with the audience. Total time: 1-1 1/2 hr(s).

MAHALIA JACKSON TRIBUTE

Unquestionably, Mahalia Jackson is the singer facilitator Tami Tyree emulates the most. Best known for her soul-stirring renditions of “How I Got Over” and (I will) “Move on up a little higher,” Ms. Tyree will engage you in an hour-long retrospective on the accomplishments of America’s first gospel crossover superstar. With footage and a pictorial.

THOMAS DORSEY TRIBUTE

Thomas Dorsey, known as “The Father of Gospel Music” composed two of the most acclaimed songs in the genre: (There will be)"Peace in the Valley", and "Take my hand, Precious Lord". His early stormy life, fraught with personal tragedy, a nervous breakdown, and initial rejection by the main line black churches, kept him on the edge for many years. To survive, this son of a preacher man consistently called on his faith as he trudged on—attempting to write inspirational music despite his vaudeville and blues background. As arranger and accompanist for “Ma Rainey” “Georgia Tom” achieved fame. We will analyze in depth the saint/sinner relationship of gospel music, and how gospel will forever be indebted to its flip side. A concert of Dorsey compositions will include the music of “Ma Rainey” and Mahalia Jackson, among others. Mr. Dorsey is attributed with assembling the first mixed-voice (male-female) chorus, and in his honor, a choir will perform.

2 hrs.

The workshop will be punctuated with footage of Dorsey and a talk-back with the audience, incorporating recordings, gospel music theory and group sing-alongs

4hrs. total

THE MOTOWN SOUND: “The sound of young America”

The story of Motown, as told through the monologue of fictional character Nellie Youngblood, will be punctuated with photos and original recordings.

Gossip, fact and pure fiction will collide as NELLIE YOUNGBLOOD, portrayed by TAMI TYREE, recalls her storied past as a cleaning lady/session tambourine player and hand clapper-- at Motown. We may not believe her when she speaks of a romantic tryst with Berry Gordy, but her analysis of the components of the music and the Motown philosophy are right on point.

Using historical data and the published memoirs of Berry Gordy, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross. TAMI TYREE will inform and entertain.

CONCEIVED, WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY TAMI TYREE