Vandross tribute
New arts entertainment series by black youth launches tonight
Garrell Woods didn’t stop with developing his own talent, the local singer and actor reached back into his community to form Young, Gifted and Black, an arts education outreach for local youth ages 14 to 25.
His group launches a new series of performances today, July 20, honoring black artists when the group performs at 7 p.m. at Granfalloon.
“As I researched history through the arts, I realized that people of color found liberation through the arts, not only emotionally but financially,” said Woods, founder and executive director of Young, Gifted and Black.
Granfalloon owner Carla Pritchard said she’s willing to work with Young, Gifted and Black to provide space for whatever Woods envisions.
“We’re going to try it out and hope to do it every month,” she said.
Tonight’s debut event is “All My Love: A Tribute to Luther Vandross.” Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
It includes Vandross hits such as “Here and Now,” “Going in Circles” and “Endless Love,” while showcasing young local performers.
Woods, a 27-year-old graduate of Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts, hopes the event produces exposure that leads to financial support for Young, Gifted and Black. Aside from two grants from Causeway and ArtsBuild Chattanooga, Woods has supported the group mostly out of pocket since its founding in 2015. He wants the group to financially sustain itself, and hopes to raise about $10,000 within the next year.
The money will be used to provide the group with Young, Gifted and Black T-shirts, sound equipment, travel expenses and money to pay for studio time. Woods says he also wants to take the youth to New York and expose them to a Broadway show.
Young, Gifted and Black gives a platform to talented youth who don’t always have access to a stage. Woods said he’s found studying drama and music to be helpful onstage and in reality.
“Being an actor gave me such an insight to myself and gave me so many life lessons,” he said.
“I was able to overcome a lot of the anger and just confusion that permeates throughout youth, especially with people of color. I found peace through the arts.”