She Sings, She Speaks: Beneath the Skin with Nnenna Freelon

Founded in 1974 and named for Charlotte civic leader and former mayor Harvey Bernard Gantt, the Gantt Center’s mission is to present, preserve and celebrate excellence in the art, history and culture of African-Americans and those of African descent. Designed by reknowned architech Philip Freelon, co-designer of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in our nation's capital, the Gantt Center features fine art exhibits from around the world, culture programs & events, and digital art technology. Visit ganttcenter.org for more information.

Harvey B. Gantt Center

Join 7x Grammy-nominated performing artist Nnenna Freelon for an intimate evening at the Gantt.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture

Join 7x Grammy-nominated performing artist Nnenna Freelon for an intimate evening at the Gantt, a space designed by her late husband, renowned architect Phil Freelon. This special event will introduce Nnenna Freelon’s upcoming book Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss, paired with her latest album, Beneath the Skin.  Attendees will learn more about the book and its deeply personal journey, enjoy live renditions from the Beneath the Skin album, and share in Nnenna's powerful story. Materials created by Nnenna will be available for purchase and autograph, and the book will be available for pre-order. Throughout the evening, Nnenna will guide us through a mix of song, word, and storytelling as she explores themes of loss, love, and the creative process. Beneath the Skin of Sorrow is a conversation about the intersection of grief and creativity, specifically through the lens of black heritage and the artistry of jazz. This experience also honors the legacy of Phil Freelon, whose architectural work shaped cultural landmarks like the Gantt.  Be sure to check out Nnenna's award-winning podcast Great Grief anywhere you listen you podcasts, where she explores themes of loss, healing, and the power of community. Each ticket purchase includes access to the show. Additional materials and refreshments are available for purchase during the show. About Nnenna Freelon: Nnenna Freelon is a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, composer, actress, and playwright celebrated for her emotionally rich storytelling and powerful stage presence. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Freelon has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz and narrative expression, blending music with deeply personal and universal themes.Her latest album, Beneath the Skin, marks a new chapter in her artistic journey—her first recording of all-original compositions. This deeply introspective project explores love, loss, and the power of the feminine gaze, offering songs drawn from the intimate pieces of her life and stitched together with love and family. The album features an acclaimed ensemble led by Alan Pasqua on piano, with Keith Ganz (guitar), Jonathan Richards (bass), and Steve Hass (drums), and is released under Origin Records.Freelon’s previous Grammy-nominated works, Time Traveler (2022) and Ancestars (2024), centered on themes of grief, memory, and transformation—works she has described as part of a sojourn through sorrow and healing. With Beneath the Skin, she continues that journey, now turning toward the future with new stories and a radiant voice that speaks to the heart of human experience.

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She Sings, She Speaks: Beneath the Skin with Nnenna Freelon

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She Sings, She Speaks: Beneath the Skin with Nnenna Freelon

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