RIZE
PRODUCTIONS
Black History Month Open Mic
Black History Month began as a way to honor the perseverance and accomplishments of many across history. These individuals fought endless uphill battles to strive toward the goal of equality for all peoples.
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For music, some of these people are names such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Prince, Michael Jackson, Louis Armstrong, and the list goes on and on. In honor of these amazing artists, Rize Productions put together a phenomenal display of talent performing covers of songs by some of the most influential black musicians throughout the years.
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Upon entering the Daily Grind, the atmosphere was buoyant and full of energy. People were excited for the music as well as the beautifully styled black and white photos of their favorite artists up at silent auction. No barriers separated singers and audience, allowing people to be able to meet and mingle with their favorite stars, and even to perform among them.
The open mic event offered a variety of sounds and styles from the country cover of "Kiss an angel good morning" performed by Domino, the 80s classic of "I Wanna Dance
with Somebody" covered by Emily Rose to the hard rocking beats of After the Fall covering Hotline Bling to the Bluesy strains of "Me and the Devil Blues" performed by a young man only identified as Ryder. There was even a comedic song performed by a Russian police officer about a hair brush.
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Other songs performed that night were "Dirty Diana" covered by After the Fall, "All of Me" performed by Bianca Bellini, Wicked in the Bayou covered "Ain't No Sunshine", Jazz Hands did a beautiful rendition of "No One", "Together Again" was sung by Shane Lebowski, Erik Severn covered "Do What you Do" and "Billie Jean" was performed by a young blond woman and the final performance of the night was a melodic cover of "Smile" by a dark haired beauty who was later approached by Jordan Rizzo himself.
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Many of these artists went straight into the recording studio and put together a single album of all the covers they performed. Rize Productions have graciously promised all proceeds of the album sales to the Afro-American Music Institute. Be sure to download your copy for good music and a good cause.
