Black Rock Coalition Orchestra to Kick Off Joe's Pub Residency on 4/8

The Black Rock Coalition (BRC) in association with Joe's Pub at The Public, presents the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra in residency at Joe's Pub. Under the creative supervision of BRC co-founder and Living Colour founder Vernon Reid, the BRC Orchestra will perform three shows throughout 2014, each celebrating Black rock pioneers and movements of the American pop canon. The first show is Santana Retrospective Redux, Volume 1, an exploration of the Grammy Award-winning guitar legend's expansive musical career, on Tuesday, April 8.

"Carlos Santana, through his work with his band Santana, as a solo artist and with guest collaborations, has represented all ideals the Black Rock Coalition has supported and championed," said Earl Douglas, BRC Executive Director, "full artistic expression without apology and presented it to the widest audience possible."

The residency marks the return of the BRC Orchestra to Joe's Pub after a seven-year absence. "We are thrilled to have the BRC back in the building," said Shanta Thake, Director of Joe's Pub, "Their virtuosity as musicians has been inspirational for so many New York musicians, and I'm excited to have this chance to see them back in the spotlight."

Reid has collaborated with both Santana and his wife Cindy Blackman-Santana to build this Santana salute. "It's a privilege and an honor to inhabit the music of one of the 20th Century's most important musicians, Mr. Carlos Santana," said Reid. "The breadth and depth of his work has inspired countless musicians and artists." Reid continues, "There's just so much material, we decided to call this 'Volume 1.' There's so much more available for us to explore, and we will at a more opportune time."

The remaining residency performances will include a tribute to Grace Jones and an exploration of Black Americana (country, folk, blues, bluegrass and other roots music). Dates are forthcoming.

The Black Rock Coalition was formed in 1985 by Vernon Reid, Greg Tate, artist rep Konda Mason and others as a means to promote the full scope and spectrum of Black music. The BRC galvanizes support for cutting-edge artists of color that are otherwise dismissed by the media and the music industry. Go to www.blackrockcoalition.org or check out the Facebook and Twitter pages for announcements on the show lineup and more information.

The Black Rock Coalition Orchestra's Santana Retrospective Redux, Vol. 1 will be at Joe's Pub at The Public (425 Lafayette Street, NYC), on Tuesday, April 8 at 9:30PM, doors at 9:00PM. Tickets are $25, and available by phone: 212-967-7555 or online: www.joespub.com.