Jonathan Blanchard
April 2, 2024 | 7 pm @ Northeast State Community College
Vocalist Jonathan Blanchard returns to Northeast State Community College in April to present theHistory of Hip-Hopworkshop and concert. The concert will be held at the Ballad Health Center for the Performing Arts Theatre, 2425 Highway 75, on April 2 at 7p.m. The workshop begins at 4 p.m. in the BHCPA Theatre. Admission for both events is free and open to the public.
This interactive concert chronicles the history of the American hip-hop genre, exploring all the elements that make up hip-hop. The workshop chronicles the evolution of hip-hop from the 1970s to the present day. Blanchard’s appearance is sponsored by UMOJA, the Tennessee Arts Commissions, and the Northeast State L.E.A.D. Center.
Audiences and participants will be introduced to hip-hop’s pioneers, diverse creatorsand the form’s musical structure. Participants also learn about the nuanced aspects of rap songs, from sampling to similes. Blanchard also delves into the hip-hop culture, influential hip-hop artists, innovative DJsand revolutionary visual artists.
Soul singer, songwriter, actorand performer rooted since childhood in the Memphis music scene, Blanchard is heavily influenced by artists who preceded him such as The Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and W.C. Handy. He graduated from Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in commercial music and a master’s degree in music education. He has more than 15 years of experience providing workshops that blend music, theater, history and social studies for audiences.
Blanchard creates music that allows his deep, soulful voice to blend naturally with the times. His first album "Freedom’s Soul...The Revolution" was released in 2013. His stage credits include roles in "Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God," "A Westside Story,""Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,""Scipio," "Do Lord Remember Me"and "The Wiz."
Northeast State’s performing arts center is located on the Blountville campus next to Tri-Cities Airport. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contactwlward@northeaststate.eduorcdmaines@northeaststate.edu or visitwww.jonathanblanchard.com.
Category: Music