Saturday: Three-time Grammy Nominee Lady Bianca and Nicasio’s Jazz Gospel Treasure Mwanza Furaha bring Black History Alive

Marin is more diverse than its reputation and we have every reason to be proud of the many cultures and extraordinary talents that make this place their home. Representing both the African American community as well as the community of top-drawer performers we all like to boast about, is Nicasio resident and Lagunitas School District employee, Mwanza Furaha. 

Kicking off Black History month with a bang, Furaha’s company Cabaret Underground will present a Black History Extravaganza Celebrating Blues and Gospel on Saturday, February 1st, 7pm presented by San Geronimo Valley Community Center (SGVCC). Due to popular demand the show has been moved to the Lagunitas School Multipurpose Room on the same campus as SGVCC, around the corner at 1 Lagunitas Road. Tickets are moving quickly and discounted advance tickets may only be purchased up until midnight Friday January 31st. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door starting at 6pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Youth tickets are the same in advance and at the door: Kids 9 and under $5; 17 and under $10.

Furaha, who has enjoyed a star studded career on screen, stage and as a producer, has collaborated with three time Grammy nominee Lady Bianca, named “New Queen of the Blues” by KPOO/Bay Area Blues Society, to create a brand new program, demonstrating the power of the blues and gospel music that has been a lifeline of resilience and inspiration for African Americans, and an influence on all of us, for generations. Furaha and Bianca formed their decades long friendship while working together on Stomping at the Savoy, starring the celebrated Harold Nicholas (Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, etc.) at the On Broadway Theater in San Francisco.

Furaha says, “This show is a way to reach out so our community can become more cohesive and unified – there’s only one race and that’s the human race – and it’s a pleasure to share from African American culture to inspire us all.” Boasting more than one sing-along number (lyrics will be provided), the community will truly be welcomed to put their heart and soul into the show, as well as enjoying a first rate performance. Both Bianca and Mwanza will both sing originals in addition to classic blues and gospel hits.

“It’s very exciting to see the terrific response from our community, rallying around performances like this.” SGVCC Director Dave Cort commented,  “We agree that it’s a great opportunity to celebrate our diverse community and share this priceless experience with our children.”

Mwanza Furaha is a gifted vocalist, actor, dancer, producer, instructor, and all-around entertainer. She has established herself as a skilled professional in a career that has spanned over 50 plus years. She has shared the stage with artists including Betty Carter, Lou Rawls, Merle Saunders, Carmen McRae and many more. Her film credits include Bullitt, Love at First Bite and more. She performed with Harold Nichols in the hit show Stompin' At The Savoy at the On Broadway Theater and sang and danced in the TV show Black Blues Black created by Maya Angelou. http://www.mwanzafuraha.com/   

Special guest artists include Lucky Otis (Third Generation of American Music Legends), Marciel 'Marty' Garner (West Coast Blues Society Hall of Fame, Funkadelic, Earth, Wind and Fire, Bill Cosby) on drums, Grammy Nominated Guitarist Jai Josefs (Little Richard, CSI), and Verdie Hollingworth on piano/vocals (Marin City). Sandy White & Ebony Wright will sing background vocals. Stanley Lippitt will make a guest appearance! Don't miss these extraordinary artists and their amazing music as the Celebration for Black History Month begins.