Musique Noire
Sunday, AUGUST 8th @ 7:30 PM
Musique Noire was formed in 2005. The group’s members, who reside in Michigan and California are veteran players nationally and internationally, having performed with such high-profile artists as Stevie Wonder, KEM, Aretha Franklin, El Debarge, and Frank McComb among many others. Led by violinist Michelle May, a 2018 Detroit Kresge Artist Fellow, the group produces a sophisticated sound showcasing unique arrangements of world fusion music. Current instrumentation: Michelle on violin and flute, Leslie Deshazor Adams on viola, Leah Lucas Celebi on viola and violin, and JoVia Armstrong, a 2011 3Arts Siragusa Foundation (Chicago) Artist Awardee, on percussion. Joining them for this performance are Max Bowen on guitar, and Marion Hayden on bass.
Their debut CD, “Good Hair”, features original songs (and three cover tunes) that reflect their musical influences in funk, Latin, world music and jazz. 2011 saw the release of their second CD, “Holiday Dreams: A Celebration of Christmas”, with their unique arrangements of traditional Christmas tunes and the jazz classic, “A Child Is Born”. Their latest release, “Reflections: We Breathe” celebrates women warriors of the arts, with original tunes and covers of Nina Simone and Eileen Ivers. Musique Noire were 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2018 Detroit Music Awards nominees for Outstanding Jazz Recording (2009, 2018) and Outstanding World/Reggae Group (2009, 2010, 2011, 2018) and 2015 winners of the Best Black Female Jazz Group through Black Women in Jazz Awards out of Atlanta, GA. The ensemble were 2018 TEDx Detroit performer/presenters.
Important Info Regarding The Lot Lounge
The Lot Lounge is an outdoor venue in our back parking lot. Seating will begin 30 minutes prior to the performance start time. A cash bar will be available for those 21+.
In the case of inclement weather, the show will go on! We’ll move the artists and audiences inside the house, and pivot to a hybrid livestreamed and in-person audience format. All decisions regarding inclement weather plans will be made no later than 2 hours prior to the performance, which will be shared via email and on our social media pages.
- Audience members who wish to attend the event inside the House will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination when checking in to the performance or proof of a negative COVID-19 test performed within the previous 72 hours prior to entry, as well as wear a mask while in attendance.
- Should the event be moved indoors, ticket-holders will also be given the opportunity to view the concert from home via private livestream link which will be emailed to them at the email address on their ticket order between 30 minutes and 1 hour prior to show time.
NOTE: Since we have this livestreaming option for our audiences (and the artists we engage), there will be no refunds or exchanges for The Lot Lounge ticket purchases this summer. Thank you for your support and understanding as we work to find innovative ways to continue connecting artists and audiences!
Michelle May (Detroit, MI) has been a performer, educator, writer and producer for over 35 years. She is a 2018 Kresge Artist Fellow (Detroit, MI). She has performed live and in studio with such nationally renowned performers as drummer/percussionist Francisco Mora Catlett, Aretha Franklin, KEM, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Richard Smallwood, Marcus Belgrave, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, and the late greats Donald Walden, Barry White, Joe Williams and Dizzy Gillespie, among many others. Michelle holds a B.A. in Education and Music, an M.A. in Counseling (her “other” profession!) and a Certificate in Recording Technology.
Leslie DeShazor Adams (Detroit, MI) is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music where she received a B.M. in viola performance. While her training is primarily in classical music she can be heard or seen in an array of venues. Jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, traditional West African music, classical and rock are some of the many influences you will hear in her playing and writing. She has worked with such artists as: KEM, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Three Mo’ Tenors, and was recently the lead violist for the Detroit dates of the musical “Hamilton”.
Leah Lucas (Detroit, MI) has been described by critics as a player that “possesses a major talent as well as a sunny, room-filling personality” (The Santa Barbara Independent). In addition to her work with Musique Noire, Leah performs as a soloist, an orchestral musician and a performer of contemporary music in a variety of genres, including premiering a work written for her by composer Timothy Beutler entitled Pursuit of Truth: For Solo Viola and Tape. She also served as violinist and vocalist in Danssair, a popular Irish band local to Santa Barbara. Originally from Illinois, Ms. Lucas graduated from the Chicago College of Performing Arts Music Conservatory and continued her graduate studies at the University of California Santa Barbara. She has performed with numerous national and international artists.
Jovia Armstrong (Chicago, IL), educator and songwriter, is one of the most sought-after performers in the Midwest. She is a 2011 3Arts Siragusa Foundation (Chicago, IL) Artist awardee. Jovia studied percussion at Michigan State University before relocating to Chicago where she earned a B.A. in Music Business from Columbia College. In addition to her work as performer, writer and producer with Musique Noire, Jovia has performed with such national and international artists as El Debarge, Amp Fiddler, Nicole Mitchell, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, the Chris Green Quartet, British artist Omar, Alison Crockett, Maysa, Eric Robeson, Rashaan Patterson, Frank McComb, Trey Anastacio, Brian O’Neal (keyboardist for Kem) as well as numerous Jazz and Latin festivals. She is known for her creative technique, stage presence and melodic approach and is versed in the styles of jazz, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, African, gospel and R&B. JoVia is currently a PhD student in the University of California Irvine’s Integrated Composition, Improvisation and Technology Program.
Marion Hayden is part of the great Detroit Jazz bass legacy. As a young protégé of trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, she learned improvisation, ensemble performance, repertoire and a deep appreciation for jazz and its creators. Marion combines these influences in a unique jazz perspective, creating a swinging sound with the bass which is both authentic and fresh. Her music embodies the spirit of tradition and adventure in jazz. Marion has been involved in countless ensembles throughout her career, including Straight Ahead and the all-female group Venus, as well as performing and recording with jazz legends while releasing her own work, including her solo album Visions.
