Voices of Freedom honouring black history
Celine Peterson grew up with jazz.
As the daughter of Canada’s legendary pianist Oscar Peterson, she forged strong bonds with many musicians on the jazz scene in Toronto. Now all grown up, the younger Peterson tirelessly promotes the genre and the works of her father.
Peterson is lending her talents to help Bravo Niagara! celebrate the opening the Voices of Freedom Park with a special concert on Saturday at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines. She came to be involved in the concert, and also the Oscar Peterson Festival, through her friendship with Bravo co-founders Christine Mori and Alexis Spieldenner.
“I’ve known Chris and Alex for five years,” Peterson said. “They asked me if I’d curate the show. It’s a playground for me to figure out which artists to bring in.”
She’s recruited heavyweights including officer of the Order of Canada, singer/songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson and NAACP Image Award, Gemini, Dora and Juno Award-winning singer/actress Jackie Richardson.
“The artists have been so generous,” Peterson said. “They are such superstars. It will be a beautiful night of storytelling.”
The concert, which like the park, is meant to draw attention to the importance the history of black Canadians and the role they played in helping to shape the country.
“I think that is important, especially in the times we are living in,” Peterson said.
The evening will also feature performances by Grammy Award-winner Larnell Lewis on drums (Snarky Puppy), multi-Juno Award winners Robi Botos on piano and Mike Downes on bass, and up and coming saxophonist Joseph Callender from Barbados. The artists will be joined by 80 students from the Laura Secord Secondary School concert choir.
Peterson said she hopes people find the music inspirational.
“They give us such a gift of their talent and amazing voices. People will think about the messages and feel warmth.”
The concert or a visit to the park will, hopefully, leave people with similar feelings, Peterson said.
“It will be very special that people will have a place to gather. To me, it’s like going to church.”
For tickets and more information, visit bravoniagara.org/vofconcert.
Prices range from $35 to $75. Special $5 eyeGO high school rates and discounted student tickets are available.
Tickets can be purchased in person at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St., or by calling 905-682-0722. Bravo Flex Passes for the 2018-19 season available by phone only. Call 289-868-9177.
Show time is 7:30 p.m.