Shana Tucker is a cellist and singer/songwriter whose music is a mix of acoustic pop and soulful, jazz-influenced contemporary folk.
“It’s different, yet comfortably familiar,” said Tucker. “I love ’80s music and I’m a sucker for jazz … I can’t deny the classical training; it inspires my cello sensibilities ...but I like the thump of walking blues and old-timey bass lines. It’s like a delicious coffee blend …”
An evening planned for April 13 will give patrons a chance to hear for themselves as the Community Council for the Arts presents Tucker in concert at the arts center, 400 N. Queen St.
Tucker’s debut solo project, “SHiNE,” outlines a musical journey that celebrates the major influences of everyday life — relationship, laughter, love, loss, rediscovery, peace, understanding and self-acceptance.
Raised in Amityville, New York, she learned to play piano at an early age from her great-grandmother, who was herself a beginner taking community center lessons. In junior high, Tucker traded violin for cello to stay in the orchestra. In high school, she began private cello lessons, studied choral singing and performed with regional orchestras, theatre productions and vocal groups of various sizes, winning regional and national awards and praise.
She studied cello at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and continued her musical performance education at CUNY-Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music. Her work as an arranger/composer appears on several CD recordings, theatre productions and TV commercials. Her commissioned works include “Nexxus” and “Savannah,” both of which were composed for The Washington Ballet and premiered at The Kennedy Center. “Savannah” also debuted at the Joyce Theatre-NYC and at the Witts Theater in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Tucker has opened for a variety of recording artists, including Sweet Honey in the Rock, jazz saxophonist Hamiett Bluett, drummer/vocalist Vinx, the Blind Boys of Alabama and the Indigo Girls.
The evening with Tucker will include light hors d’oeuvres and beverages, plus an available cash bar. Ticket sales are limited.
ChamberSoul Cello & Songs
7:30 p.m. April 13
Community Council for the Arts
400 N. Queen St.
Tickets: $20 advance/$25 at door
Includes light hors d’oeuvres
Info: 252-527-2517 or kinstoncca.com