What: The Lafayette Inspirational
Ensemble, 22nd Annual Spring Concert
When: Sunday, May 5, 4pm
Where: Layfayette Presbyterian
Church, 85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn
Cost: $15/10
Brooklyn,
NY: The Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble, led by musical director Janis Russell,
presents its 22nd Annual Spring Concert. The concert will be held at
Layfayette Presbyterian Church on Sunday May 5th at 4pm. Tickets are
$15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. This concert will feature a
special performance by acclaimed percussionist Zaya Johnson.
The
Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble has developed a reputation as one of the most
exciting and innovative choirs in all New York. Even the Village Voice named
the Ensemble as the best in their, “The Best of New York City” series. The
Ensemble performed with Prudence Mabhena & Liyana, the Zimbabwean Group
from the Oscar winning documentary, “Music By Prudence,” at their American
debut presented by the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. The Ensemble has performed for President
Clinton, Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. They have performed many times
at BAM: in Donald Byrd’s critically acclaimed Harlem Nutcracker, at the annual
Martin Luther King Tribute and for BAM’s Gospel Brunch series. The Ensemble has
performed with Taj Mahal, Fontella Bass and Pete Seegar and has recorded with
John Cale and Carole Fredericks. The group joined legal scholar and author, the
late Derrick Bell for a number of presentations from his works.
Most
recently the Ensemble performed during half-time at a basketball game at the
Barclay’s Center. The Ensemble was featured in “Body of War” the award winning documentary by Phil Donohue and
Ellen Spiro. Television appearances include the TV series Toni On! New York, the Odyssey Network’s documentary series, Sewing Seeds and a Welsh documentary
focusing on American music traditions. Award shows include the Brooklyn
Philharmonic Gala Benefit, the Fifi Awards, the Gotham Film Awards and the
TriBeCa film festival.
During
its years of existence, the Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble has flourished and
been blessed in serving its church, the Brooklyn Community and the New York
Metropolitan area. Aggressively seeking venues in which to serve, the Lafayette
Inspirational Ensemble is a thriving example of how an eclectic group of people
can come together as one and show us a glimpse of the heavenly choir.
