June 19, 2024
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Celebrate Juneteenth led by three powerhouse artists of color who use their music as a vehicle for community organizing. Join Kyshona, Grace Givertz and front line activist Sam Rise as they sing the music of freedom movements and pay tribute to the incredible storytelling, oral traditions and sonic contributions of the seminal Elizabeth Cotten, roots chameleon Ruthie Foster and civil rights icons Odetta, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon.
Community Foodways Partner: Tall Grass Food Box
Additional Featured Partner: Black Opry
The 2024 Music in the Gardens series is presented in partnership with Country Soul Songbook (CSSB).
Kyshona lends her voice and music to those who feel silenced, forgotten or alone. She began her career as a music therapist, writing her first songs with patients — students and inmates under her care. She became compelled to write independently and find her own voice, an endeavor which led her to the Nashville creative community and songwriting culture. Since then, she balances her music career with her passion to heal in community through her organization Your Song.
Samantha Rise, a non-binary songcatcher and performer based in Philadelphia, guides themself by the tenets and principles of: Music is your birthright Your voice belongs as it is, you belong as you are. We can’t be afraid and sing at the same time. As a self described ‘pollinator’ performer, their songs collect and evoke their myriad influences, across labels of genres and medium. Samantha’s passion for music and community building are the heart of their work; a student of jazz, improvisation, social justice movements and the music that drives them, Samantha encourages a unique vulnerability with their audiences, reminding us all that music is our birthright, and a technology of healing, transformative justice and self-determination.
Grace Givertz, a large voice packed into a tiny body, enchants with indie folk compositions blending earworm melodies and heartfelt stories. Drawing from her journey with chronic illness, Givertz’s music resonates with raw emotion, exploring themes of resilience and vulnerability. Her debut album, “Year of the Horse,” showcases her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. Actively involved with the Black Opry, she continues to promote diversity in music through residencies with WXPN and songwriting workshops at the Harvard Ed Portal. Currently, she’s crafting her sophomore album exclusively featuring underrepresented musicians. Recognized for her talent, Givertz has earned multiple Boston Music Award nomination and an Extraordinary Woman Award from the City of Boston. Her melodies shine as beacons of authenticity, enriching the indie folk scene.
Music in the Gardens concerts take place on the lawn behind the Doris Duke Center. Lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets are encouraged. Pets are not allowed. Outside food and beverages, including beer and wine, are permitted and will also be available for purchase on-site from The Palace International. The lawn will open at 6 p.m. before each concert. University parking at the Gardens is $2/hour until 7 p.m. In the event of rain, concerts will take place at Baldwin Auditorium on Duke’s East Campus. Location changes will be announced by 1 p.m. on the day of the event.
Walk-ups will be accepted at the door starting 10 minutes before the performance until capacity is reached.
This concert will be broadcast live on WXDU 88.7 FM, Duke University Radio! Tune in live from anywhere in Durham or online at wxdu.org.
Registration Required
SOLD OUT
Walk-ups will be accepted at the door starting 10 minutes before the performance until capacity is reached.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
420 Anderson Street
Durham, NC 27708
Reservations available Tuesday, June 11 at 11 a.m.
General Admission; Reservations are limited to 4, with an option to add ‘youth’ tickets for children 10 and under.
2024 Music in the Gardens is presented by Duke Arts in partnership with Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Country Soul Songbook, with support from WXDU and Duke Summer Session.
