Dominican University Presents Sweet Honey In The Rock®



Dominican University's Performing Arts Center will present internationally renowned a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock® in a holiday concert on Saturday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be held in the Lund Auditorium, 7900 West Division Street, River Forest.

Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon in 1973 at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company, Sweet Honey In The Rock® has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture of Washington, D.C., and in communities of conscience around the world. The name of the group was derived from Psalm 81:16, which tells of a land so rich that when rocks were cracked open, honey flowed from them. Current members of the all-women ensemble are Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, and Shirley Childress Saxton, a professional sign language interpreter.

Rooted in a deeply held commitment to create music out of the rich textures of African American legacy and traditions, Sweet Honey In The Rock® possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures the complex sounds of blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, hip hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz improvisation. Sweet Honey's collective voice, occasionally accompanied by hand percussion instruments, produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms.

Sweet Honey In The Rock® has received several Grammy Award nominations, most recently for the 2008 album, Experience…101. In June 2010, the group released a new song and music video, "Are We A Nation?" in response to Arizona's controversial immigration law, SB-1070.

The concert will also be sign language-interpreted. Ticket prices start at $38. Located just 10 miles west of Chicago's Loop, Dominican's Lund Auditorium offers the warm acoustics and intimate atmosphere of the country's best concert halls. Parking is always free. For more information, contact the box office at (708) 488-5000.