Khari Wendell McClelland talks Songs for Freedom at VPL, February 25

The creative force behind Freedom Singer tunes in for a virtual performance and conversation

Vancouver Public Library presents a performance and conversation with Khari Wendell McClelland on February 25 from 7 to 8 pm PST online.

TO MAKE FREEDOM Singer—which is a both an album and a documentary theatre musical—Khari Wendell McClelland gathered and interpreted songs that his great-great-great grandmother, Kizzy, likely brought with her as she fled slavery in the U.S. for present-day Canada.

The Detroit-born Vancouver-based multidisciplinary artist uses everything from hip-hop and soul to folk and gospel to build a bridge from the past to the now, keeping the sounds, melodies, rhythms, and songs that as many as 30,000 to 40,000 African Americans carried with them on their perilous journey north to freedom.

As part of Black History Month, Vancouver Public Library is presenting an evening with Wendell McClelland, with 2018’s Freedom Singer being a jumping-off point for discussion related to music as a form of memory and the need—to this day—for social change.

The free event takes place via Zoom; pre-registration is not required but appreciated. More details are here.

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