“Soukousize” Dallas and Siama, African and Reggae

Dallas Johnson, a singer, songwriter, producer and band leader- loves exploring musical styles. She composed jazz songs for Jevetta Steele”'s last record, recorded an original house single for OM records, an electronic jazz song for Keston and Westdal, performed an American Traditional song on a compilation CD in support of marriage equality, wrote a lullabye that”'s being recorded by grade school children in Colarado and can be heard singing soul music on Dan Barreiro”'s KFAN show. Currently, she”'s singing world music, finalizing her 3rd original CD, and writing a non-fiction book.  She”'s the community arts director behind Bridging Minneapolis ”“ a project in Phillips West.

Guitarist and composer Siama Matuzungidi hails from DR Congo and came to Mpls. by way of Uganda, Kenya, Dubai and Japan. A prolific composer, Siama wrote big hits in the 70”'s that are considered classics, earning him the title, “soukous legend”. He”'s toured with renowned soukous stars like Samba Mapangala, Tshala Muana, Kanda Bongo Man, etc. Siama performed at the Ordway Theatre recently with Playing for Change, was the musical director for a Mixed Blood production and performs regularly with Socaholix, Marimba Africa, Cyril Paul”'s Calypso Monarchs and 33 Degrees North, among others. He”'s a recording artist and terrific guitar instructor for all ages and skill levels.… Read the rest ““Soukousize” Dallas and Siama, African and Reggae”

Margeaux Davis: Rhythm and Blues vocalist

The Alley”'s Media Social will be emceed by the very talented R & B vocalist, Margeaux Davis. She will be one of the amazing lineup of performers on Friday evening, November 16.  Margeaux performed “Season’s Of Love” as a soloist in the Broadway musical, “RENT” at the Guthrie Lab Theatre.  In 2012, she performed as part of the “Rag Time” Ensemble. She won best R & B vocalist in 2010 at the Twin Cities Hip Hop Awards and was nominated in 2011/2012 for best R&B vocalist in the Twin Cities. She is currently putting the finishing touches on an album with Grand Melody Music, “Plus Size Fashionista”.  You can hear her debut single, “Won”'t Do It Again” as a free download at http://www.soundcloud.com/margeauxdavis.

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Dave Moore: “Son of Boston (Agitator)”-a rap-poem about Wendell Phillips

Dave Moore will perform his rap-poem “Son of Boston (Agitator)” again at this year”'s Alley Gathering Nov. 16th.

His debut performance last year of this poem embellishes his longstanding reputation as the creator of Dave”'s Dumpster.  Along with Linnea Hadaway, their masterpiece “Spirit of Phillips” cartoons have been published exclusively in The Alley for 25 years.  These cartoons depict the words of 19th century abolitionist and human rights advocate, Wendell Phillips, namesake of Phillips Community.  The words are often portrayed amidst present-day social issues.   

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