Musical Phenomenon Naturally 7 Hits Los Angeles, Tributes Herbie Hancock, Betye Saar & Donald McKayle at CAAM Gala & Performs Full Live Concert
Los Angeles – There is a phenomenon sweeping across the international musical landscape known as Naturally 7 and it is about to hit Los Angeles big. Having mesmerized audiences across Europe, the sensation has been engaging music lovers with shows that simply defy logic. Instead of performing with the backdrop of a live band, these Hidden Beach Records artists utilize their vocal chords to duplicate the sounds of actual instruments. An uncanny ability they call “Vocal Play,” the members of Naturally 7 actually become the instruments coupled with a cappella sound. Resonating as voice and instrument, Naturally 7 make beat boxing appear child’s play. You will blink, just to make sure what your eyes are witnessing and what your ears are hearing is real!
On Sunday, October 16, 2011, Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum (Friends) will present Los Angeles with this unique “Art of Sound” when Naturally 7 performs an exclusive full live concert at the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Exposition Park. The occasion will not only benefit the youth and education programs at CAAM, it is destined to be an experience that will change the way you listen to music! The Naturally 7 live concert on Sunday begins at 5:00 pm with a buffet dinner and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. General admission and VIP seating is available. Call 213-744-2077 for more information and tickets are available at www.caamuseum.org.
The exclusive live performance follows the annual An Artful Evening at CAAM gala fundraiser on Saturday, October 15, which honors dancer/choreographer Donald McKayle, visual artist Betye Saar and Grammy Award winning musician/composer Herbie Hancock. Naturally 7 will preview their talent at the affair with a special tribute performance.
Naturally 7 initially charmed America with a national U.S. television debut on “Ellen.” Touring with Michael Bublé, they also guest appeared with him on “The Today Show.” More recently, they opened for Jay Leno in Las Vegas, and performed on the “Tonight Show.” Quincy Jones took note of the group at his 75th Birthday in Montreux and they were also guests at the Playboy Jazz Festival. The native New Yorkers have even performed at the prestigious TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) Conference where they received a standing ovation. The group has recorded a number of CD’s over the years including “Non Fiction” (2000), the aptly titled “What Is It” (2003), “Christmas …It’s A Love Story” (2004) and “Ready II Fly” (2006). Their latest Hidden Beach Records release is entitled “Vocal Play.”
Naturally 7 are Roger Thomas as not only musical director and arranger but also first baritone and rapper; Warren Thomas as percussion, guitar, clarinet, and third tenor; Rod Eldridge as first tenor, scratching and trumpet; Napoleon (Polo) Cummings as fourth tenor and guitar; Dwight Stewart as second baritone, vocals and trumpet; Garfield Buckley as second tenor and harmonica and “Hops” Hutton as bass.
“Naturally 7 are a wonderful cap to a weekend of spectacular events at CAAM coordinated to raise funds to support our youth, education and free public programs,” expresses CAAM executive director, Charmaine Jefferson. “CAAM has always been a cutting edge force in the artistic community and Naturally 7 is quite an innovative art expression with their unique fashioning of sound. We are honored that they have chosen to donate their services to our cause and to present them in such an intimate setting where the audience can experience them up close and personal. Considering that the concert will benefit our educational programs here at CAAM, we are providing our supporters a wonderful opportunity to contribute while being treated with an amazing show.”
Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, the California African American Museum, located in Exposition Park, is a state supported institution. In addition to its permanent collection, CAAM hosts specially borrowed and self-curated exhibitions, free public and school age education programs, and tours CAAM-owned exhibitions throughout California and the nation. Admission to CAAM is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. Parking located at 39th and Figueroa Streets is $10.
Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists to provide resources, staffing, programming and exhibition funding in support of CAAM’s mission. Explore the California African American Museum’s offerings at http://www.caamuseum.org. For general CAAM information call (213) 744-7432.
For a peak at the magic that is Naturally 7 check them out on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5MkNOXSdkA .
