FirstWorks to Kick Off 10th Year with Martha Redbone Roots Project

FirstWorks brings Martha Redbone Roots Project and music that chronicles the cross-roads of American experience to Providence to kick-off the organization's 10th year of presenting world-class performing arts and education programs. Hailed as "Americana's next superstar", Redbone soulfully fuses her Cherokee, Choctaw and African-American heritage in a vibrant gumbo of funk and R&B. A live public performance at Aurora, a new cabaret lounge and art space in downtown Providence, featuring selections from Redbone's latest album "Garden of Love-Songs for William Blake" will cap a two-day FirstWorks Arts Learning residency program engaging K-12 and university students from Rhode Island schools.

FirstWorks partners with over 30 schools to provide students with unprecedented creative opportunities, challenges and possibilities - including performances and interactions with high-caliber artists. Annually, FirstWorks helps over 2,500 low-income students build connections between art, academic subjects and their lives, fostering critical thinking, imagination and collaborative learning.

"We have built deep, ongoing relationships with schools in some of Rhode Island's neediest districts, filling in the gap left from severe cuts to state public education," said Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director, FirstWorks.

"Thank you, FirstWorks, for continuing to make the arts accessible to all Rhode Islanders regardless of age, race or class. Our students often express a love for music, but they would never have the opportunity to hear world-class musicians," said Susan Chin, Principal, Veazie Street Elementary School, Providence.

Martha Redbone joins FirstWorks to kick off their 10th anniversary with an Arts Learning Residency on Wednesday, February 12, and Thursday, February 13, 2014. Photography and video opportunities are available at the following school residency performance/workshops:

Wednesday, February 12, 2014:

• 9:30-10:30am, Toll Gate High School, 575 Centerville Road, Warwick, RI
• 12:30-1:30pm, Meeting Street School, 1000 Eddy Street, Providence, RI
• 3:30-4:30pm, Providence College Slavin Center, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI

Thursday, February 13, 2014:

• 10:00am-11:00am, Johnson & Wales University's Bridge Center, Xavier Complex, 259 Pine Street, Providence, RI
• 12:30-1:30pm, Juanita Sanchez Multicultural Center, 182 Thurbers Avenue, Providence, RI

The Martha Redbone Roots Project will perform on Thursday, February 13, 2014, 7:30pm at the new Aurora (former Roots Cultural Center), 276 Westminster Street, Downtown Providence, RI. Tickets cost $15 in advance / $20 at the door. Advance tickets are available online at www.first-works.org or call 401-421-4281.