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In every generation, there are a mere handful of truly standout female vocalists. Singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone ring in our minds as culture consumers not just because they have ability—plenty of singers sound great—but because they have that certain un-nameable something that lifts them up above their peers and keeps them popular forever.
New York's Alicia Olatuja, 29, is one such singer. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and member of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Olatuja rose to prominence with her show-stealing solo at the 2013 presidential inauguration, no small feat considering the event also featured such heavy-hitters as Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys. Since then, Olatuja's smooth and effortlessly gorgeous vocal style has won her plenty of worldwide acclaim, and she's worked with the likes of the Julliard Jazz Ensemble as well as huge names like Christian McBride and Chaka Khan. She also continues to record and perform with the aforementioned choir and released her own solo album in 2014, titled Timeless. A dizzying and brilliantly executed jazzy fusion album featuring elements of love song standards, bossa nova rhythms and even show tune-esque numbers amid the upbeat vocal acrobatics, Timeless is not only a breathtaking first effort from the young singer, it stands head and shoulders above similar contemporary works. And though she's been busy with a nonstop touring schedule in recent years, she expects to start recording her next album soon. Olatuja's range is nigh unbelievable, and her melding of numerous crossover styles is seamless in a way that is, believe it or not, comparable to the catalog of someone like Michael Jackson in its excellence and scope.
"I definitely look at music to be food for the soul, and it's good to not eat the same thing every day," Olatuja tells SFR. This is an ideal she carries over into her live performance, as well. "There will be the songs that make me think, Oh, we're definitely playing that, but as I write new songs, I also introduce some into the repertoire," she says. "I like to leave room for inspiration." (Alex De Vore)
Alicia Olatuja
7 pm Friday, May 6. $25.
Museum Hill Café,
710 Camino Lejo
983-6820
Who’s the Greenest of Them All?
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Snow White and her loyal comrades are back, but this time they’ve become environmental activists. A new production from Teatro Paraguas Children’s Co. comes in the form of a green fairy tale, complete with a full score composed by Melange, a husband-and-wife musical team. Narcissa, professional evil queen, has been saturating the soil with chemical pesticides for years. Princesses Snow and White must seek help from six nature-conscious gnomes and others. “There’s political commentary, like fighting over fuel,” says Rhoman Peden, the actor who plays the Huntsman. (Cybele Mayes-Osterman)
Snow and White and the Seven Conservationists:
7 pm Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7. $10.
Teatro Paraguas,
3205 Calle Marie, Ste. B,
471-3140.
Dream a Little Dream
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Though Santiago Perez’ paintings do contain recognizable imagery (a Picasso-like bull, for example), they approach the surreal in terms of intent, scope and imagination. Through the use of homage and a twisted brand of whimsy, Perez’ work is almost childlike, yet with a darkly ominous underlying feeling akin to a blurry dream. “Many painters struggle with the artists who came before, and this is almost like a jumping-off point,” the Albuquerque-based artist says. “You learn from them but also want to paint as good or better than them, and if you can’t, sometimes you make a joke about it.” (ADV)
In the Night Kitchen Opening Reception:
5-7 pm Friday, May 6. Free.
Nüart Gallery,
670 Canyon Road,
988-3888
We Believe the Children Are Our Future (Americana-Wise)
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If you sometimes think to yourself,
Y'know, I like Americana, but where are all the young people?
you need look no further than the next performance by the Santa Fe University of Art & Design’s Acoustic Americana Ensemble. That might be a mouthful, but these students represent new and graduating musicians who’ve been training so hard, they’re bound to wow you. “They are coming along nicely,” says their teacher, Tom Adler. “The audience is in for a great evening of fiddle tunes, old-time country music, a jug band, folk and blues and Americana songs.” (ADV)
SFUAD Acoustic Americana Ensemble:
7 pm Wednesday, May 4. Free.
O'Shaughnessy Performance Space,
1600 St. Michael's Drive,
473-6200
Santa Fe Reporter