HARLEM'S 9th ANNUAL SUGAR HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL

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Seven-time GRAMMY® Award nominee Nnenna Freelon will headline this year’s festival. Freelon will sign copies of her book Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss and perform poetic excerpts alongside the inimitable jazz vocals for which she is internationally celebrated. Copies of the book will be available onsite, with proceeds benefiting While We Are Still Here®. Haitian-American songstress Pauline Jean, whose distinctive voice blends world jazz with her Haitian Creole roots, captivating audiences of all ages will join the lineup. Also performing, Jenn Jade Ledesna, a Bronx-born vocalist, composer, and stage artist, is renowned for her ability to sing in 11 languages. In celebration of Harlem Pride, this year’s festival will feature the debut appearance of Lavender Light: The Black and People of All Colors Lesbian and Gay Gospel Choir, under the artistic direction of Eric Williamson. Returning as a festival favorite is the Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra \(SOLJO\). Bronx-born trumpeter and educator Steven Oquendo founded SOLJO while serving as a music instructor at the Harlem School of the Arts.