Fisk Jubilee Singers Mark Historic Debut Bluebird Cafe Performance

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The Fisk Jubilee Singers gather for a photo onstage at The Bluebird Cafe with the Bluebird’s Erika Wollam Nichols, the Fisk Jubilee Singer’s Musical Director Dr. Paul Kwami, and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Steve Lowry

The Fisk Jubilee Singers’ first-ever performance in the Bluebird Cafe was held Tuesday night (Feb. 22) as part of BMI’s monthly showcase series, BMI Presents at the Bluebird Cafe.

The historic, sold-out debut celebrated over 150 years of Nashville’s Fisk Jubilee Singers and took place during Black History Month. The a cappella ensemble made up of students from Fisk University in Nashville first formed in 1871 and have been breaking racial barriers across the globe since. They have performed around the world for kings and queens in Europe in the late 19th century, participated in Ghana’s Golden Jubilee at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy, and more. In 2008 they were awarded the National Medal of Arts.

“The room was so fascinated and fixated on the music coming from the stage that you could practically hear a pin drop in between songs,” shares BMI’s Executive Director, Creative, Shannon Sanders. “It was an epic night.”

“It was an amazing experience educating people in the Bluebird Cafe about the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ history and music,” adds Dr. Paul Kwami, former Fisk Jubilee Singer turned director. “We are extremely grateful to BMI for sponsoring this event and giving us this opportunity.”

The monthly songwriter-in-the round series, BMI Presents at Bluebird Cafe, aims to highlight a diverse lineup of both emerging and established songwriters. The next installation will take place on March 22.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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