Paul Robeson: I Go On Singing Premieres At Paul Robeson Center 4/9

On Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 7:30 pm, the Arts Council of Princeton and Peacing it Together Foundation present the world premiere of "Paul Robeson: I Go On Singing" in celebration of Paul Robeson's 113th birthday. The event will take place at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts at 102 Witherspoon Street in downtown Princeton, just a few doors down from where Paul Robeson began his life.

Once in a lifetime a human being comes along who stands head and shoulders above the rest. Paul Robeson was such a man. All-American athlete, champion orator, international recording artist and star of the stage and screen, by the 1930s he was the most popular African-American entertainer in the world.

But trouble lay ahead for Paul. Here was a man, a black man, 'the tallest tree in the forest' and champion for human rights forcefully speaking out about social injustice. And in the years that followed, he sacrificed everything for challenging the status quo.

The story of this American hero who struggled and ultimately triumphed comes alive in a rousing new 90-minute song-filled presentation, "Paul Robeson: I Go On Singing," performed by the gifted American baritone and international promoter of peace, Anthony Brown.

Arts Council of Princeton Executive Director Jeff Nathanson says of Anthony Brown, "The Arts Council is inspired by Paul Robeson's legacy of artistic excellence and human rights advocacy. MR. Brown is an outstanding performer and one of the world's foremost activists in the quest for social justice. We are thrilled to be bringing him to Princeton to perform his outstanding tribute to Robeson."

Accompanied by a pianist and narrator, MR. Brown reveals Robeson as a towering figure in 20th century American history. Told in Robeson's own words, using many first-hand accounts from his autobiography, "Here I Stand," the show traces his humble beginnings as a preacher's son in Princeton to his international celebrity and a tireless fighter for human rights.

"I Go On Singing," written by Anthony Brown and Andrew Flack, with musical direction by Paul Fowler, delivers equal parts historical documentary with a live concert experience. Musical numbers range from Spirituals to Broadway, and include original arrangements of Robeson favorites like "Ol' Man River," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," "Shenandoah," "Scandalize My Name," "It Ain't Necessarily So," "All Through the Night," "Joe Hill," "Deep River," and many others.

"It is with a great sense of pride that I do a show that honors the life and legacy of this Great American," says Anthony Brown. "His courage to speak out against injustice everywhere and to support the politically vulnerable is commendable and laudatory. He was a true 20th century pioneer in the struggle for freedom and we can all learn a great deal from his life. In some respects, "I Go On Singing" is my way of keeping the spirit of this great man alive in the 21st century and to encourage this fighting spirit in the next generation."

In addition to a life devoted to his artistry, MR. Brown is the founder of The Peacing it Together Foundation, an organization that presents musical events that promote peace and social justice throughout the world. Additional support for "I Go On Singing" is provided by the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation, Bloomberg, the Anne Reeves Fund, and the J. S. Johnson Sr. 1963 Charitable Trust.

Tickets are ­­­$15 general admission, $10 members, students, and seniors. The event will take place in the Solley Theater at The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ 08542. Parking is available in the Spring and Hulfish Street Garages as well as metered parking along Witherspoon Street and Paul Robeson Place. Please call (609) 924-8777 or visit www.artscouncilofprinceton.org to buy tickets or for more information.

The Arts Council of Princeton, founded in 1967, is a non-profit organization with a mission of Building Community through the Arts. Housed in the landmark Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the ACP fulfills its mission by presenting a wide range of programs including exhibitions, performances, free community cultural events, and studio-based classes and workshops in the visual, performing and literary arts. Arts Council of Princeton programs are designed to be high-quality, engaging, affordable and accessible for the diverse population in the greater Princeton region.

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