76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeArts-EntertainmentAkua Allrich & The Tribe Bring Jazz, R&B and More to the...

Akua Allrich & The Tribe Bring Jazz, R&B and More to the STJ School of the Arts on March 24

St. John may be a small island, but it attracts world-class talent. This claim will no doubt be proven true once again when Akua Allrich & The Tribe take to the stage at the St. John School of the Arts in Cruz Bay on Friday, March 24, at 6 p.m.

Allrich is a jazz/blues/soul singer and composer who has recently gained fame for her concerts featuring the music of Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. She comes to St. John through the guidance of renowned jazz steel-pan player Victor Provost who has curated this year’s Sis Frank Concert Series at the St. John School of the Arts.

Akua Allrich will be performing a mix of sounds, including jazz and blues at the STJ School of the Arts on March 24. (Photo provided by Akua Allrich)

“Akua [pronounced Ah-kwee-ya] is an incredibly talented and multi-faceted artist,” said Provost. “I’ve seen her tribute to Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone several times in the Washington, D.C. area. She goes beyond paying tribute to these incredibly influential women – she really embodies them. She tells their story with passion and reverence. It’s going to be an amazing show.”

Tickets are $50 and may be purchased on the St. John School of the Arts website or by calling 340-779-4322. A limited number of tickets should also be available at the door.

The daughter of jazz musician Agyei Akoto, Allrich was educated at Howard University and is based in Washington, D.C. “Allrich’s rise in many ways parallels the resurgence of Washington, DC as a major jazz city,” according to Franz Matzner of the Washington City Paper.

Sriram Gopal of the DCist said, “Her fluid and graceful voice glides over rhythms that draw upon jazz, reggae, African and R&B influences.” She sings in many languages, including Portuguese, French, Spanish, English, Xhosa, and Twi. George W. Harris of Jazz Weekly compared her to a young Aretha Franklin. “She uses her voice in a flexible way that includes drops, falls and growls almost like an old school trumpet player,” he said.

To hear a sample of her music, go to her website.

Allrich has recorded three albums which are available through her website. (Image provided by Akua Allrich)

The St. John School of the Arts – located up Hill St. and around the corner from the Julius E. Sprauve School – is a five minute walk from the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. Please note the concert’s early (6 p.m.) start time.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.