January 4, 2006

Native American Dynamo Martha Redbone Performs at MASS MoCA, February 4

(North Adams, Mass.) Commonly compared to such "neo-soul" artists as Alicia Keys and D'Angelo as well as powerhouse divas like Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight, Native-American singer/songwriter Martha Redbone is slated to perform in MASS MoCA's Club B-10 space, with soulful funk and R&B sounds as part of the museum's Alternative Cabaret series on Saturday, February 4, at 8 PM. "A true original," according to Bilboard Magazine, "the kind of artist who sets trends, as opposed to following them."

"Martha Redbone doesn't over-sing, over-produce, or play down her vocal abilities. The result is a risky, edgy performance full of honesty, wit, and a wily sense of humor," according to Indie-Music which went on to say, "There's something here for everyone and while the themes and subject matter are universal, Redbone's personalized delivery is enchanting."

Raised in New York and Kentucky, Redbone has a range of cultural background to draw from in her music. She was mentored by Walter 'Junie' Morrison, an original member of the Ohio Players and later Parliament Funkadelic. Redbone sang background vocals on the Mothership reunion album with George Clinton. All of the songs on her debut album Home of the Brave were written and produced by Martha with longtime writing partner Aaron Whitby and recorded with seasoned New York City musicians including Alan 'AB' Burroughs who's known for his work with Miles Davis, and Jonathan Maron of Maxwell fame. Jay-Z and Notorious BIG engineers Joe Quinde and Tom Cassel were also involved in the project. Taken from the last line of the national anthem, the album title Home of the Brave refers to the American Indians. "It's a hard thing to do these days, to follow what you believe in," Redbone says. "When you do that, then you become brave. Your body becomes more than a body. It becomes a home of the brave."

Doors open at 7 PM and food and drink from Lickety Split are available before and during the show.

Tickets for Martha Redbone are $14 in advance or $17 the day of the concert. MASS MoCA members receive a 10% discount. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday through Monday. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased on line at www.massmoca.org.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall Street in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org