The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
WINSTED’S AMP ANNOUNCES MUSIC PERFORMANCE SERIES
The American Mural Project, in Winsted, is holding its first live performance series, LIVE @AMP, starting April 1 with a first-time collaboration featuring gospel singer Theresa Thomason, and the KC Sisters, a local group.
“In its first season, the 2023 series will feature an eclectic celebration of different genres and influential musical expression throughout the decades,” according to AMP. “LIVE @AMP 2023 includes a varied roster of notable artists and local musicians, blending blues, gospel, funk/neosoul, American pop and rock, Afro-Cuban-inspired jazz, and beyond. LIVE @AMP plans to encompass a diverse spectrum of the performing arts, such as dance, theater, poetry performance, as well as music.”
Thomason is well known for her vibrant and powerful voice that is often compared to those of Mahalia Jackson and the late Whitney Houston. The five-sister band, the KC Sisters, are Connecticut favorites. Thomason and the KC Sisters are collaborating in an evening of gospel, soul, Motown and blues.
According to AMP, Thomason has spent over two decades recording and performing with Grammy Award winner, Paul Winter. She appeared on Broadway in the musical “Hot Feet,” featuring the music of Earth Wind and Fire. Returning to the famous Apollo Theatre in 2012, Thomason performed for The Harlem Jazz Shrines “Jazz A La Carte” with Wycliffe Gordon, Savion Glover and Maurice Hines, which was named, “The Best Jazz Event” by the Wall Street Journal.
Thomason has toured Europe with gospel groups as well as with her own show, “Sister Act,” playing in over a thousand soldout theaters and churches in more than 150 European cities. She has performed live at the United Nations for the Dalai Lama and remains a featured artist with the Paul Winter Consort at the annual Solstice, Missa Gaia and Earth Mass celebrations at St. John the Divine, in New York City.
According to AMP, featured on Season One of Nickelodeon’s hit series, “America’s Most Musical Family,” the Connecticut-based the KC Sisters bring to the concert stage an explosive Americana-flavored vocal/instrumental mix. Receiving international acclaim for their dynamic, harmony-driven vocal and instrumental expertise, the sisters often travel back to their roots, putting on hundreds of performances throughout their home state of Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. Each sister is a multitalented vocalist and musician skilled in a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, bass, violin, ukulele, and drums. Their shows include multi-harmonized vocals, and multiple genres including both originals and covers. Currently, the KC Sisters are working with Debbie Gibson and Deke Sharon, music producer for “Pitch Perfect” and “Sing Off.”
Other acts announced include Ed Fast & Conga Bop (Afro-Cuban-inspired jazz, and drum), West End Blend (funk/dance music) and One Time Weekend (American pop and rock), with additional performances to be announced soon.
The 2023 season will also bring back AMP’s popular “Recycled Runway” show and exhibition, which invites one and all to step up to the creative challenge of designing and building wearable art out of recycled items and materials that would otherwise end up in the trash.
The mural exhibit will be open an hour before each event to enable ticket holders to explore the 120-foot, 5-story high, 3-dimensional mural that celebrates American workers. A cash bar and refreshments will be available during each event.
For tickets and to view the full schedule of performances, visit https://www.americanmuralproject.org/live-amp