Ellis Haizlip was the visionary creator of the public television show SOUL!, a variety-talk show featuring African American artistry, community, and culture that was also a platform for political expression and the fight for social justice. In 1972, Haizlip, together with Lincoln Center, coproduced Soul at the Center, a groundbreaking celebration of jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues with artists such as Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ike & Tina Turner, and Labelle. A milestone event, it was the first extended presentation of Black culture and art at Lincoln Center.
This year, Lincoln Center Out of Doors pays respect to Haizlip—the subject of the 2018 documentary Mr. SOUL!—and his contribution to the arts by dedicating opening night to him with a celebration of Soul at the Center. Joining us is five-time Grammy Award–winner Lalah Hathaway performing classic songs by her father, the legendary Donny Hathaway, who was part of the original Soul at the Center. Queer pop duo The Illustrious Blacks start off the night on a high note with their disco-infused Afrofuturist funk along with poetic R&B singer Baby Rose, hip-hop forefathers The Last Poets, and spirited bass-baritone Roosevelt André Credit and the Lappelle Choir.
Soul at the Center
Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center Amphitheater
Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St
New York, NY 10023
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
4:00–9:00 pm
Stay tuned…additional artists to be announced!
FREE EVENT
