SoCal Voices Newsletter

February 2024

Welcome to the second edition of the SoCal Voices Newsletter, the sister project to the SoCal Voices Podcast. Glad you're here!

Celebrating Black History Month

It's Black History Month, and SoCal Voices is celebrating with a focus on music. The first episode in February, Black History and Music: A Concerto in Riverside, features violinist and composer Chris Woods. Chris, who has played on albums with the Black Eyed Peas and Justin Timberlake, and films including The Lion King and Hidden Figures, is the Riverside Philharmonic's commissioned composer-in-residence artist for the Philharmonic's February 24 concert celebrating Black History Month.

The concert features the premier performance of Chris' composition, Concerto Cinematique. The Riverside Philharmonic will also perform O, Le' Me Shine, known as the "first Negro Symphony" of composer William L. Dawson. The event promises to be an inspiring and enriching treat for the soul. For information and tickets, visit RiversidePhilharmonic.org.

On the podcast, Chris talks about his early days learning classical violin, his journey composing the concerto, and how learning jazz has helped him be a better classical musician.

Chris has an amazing journey with the violin and shares wonderful "knowledge nuggets" about musicianship. His insights are beneficial for musicians and non-musicians alike.

The second episode in SoCal Voices' Black History and Music series features ethnomusicologist Oghenevwarho Gabriel Ojakovo, director of the Center for the African Diaspora and Sacred Music and Musicians at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

In the episode, Black History and Music: African Diaspora and Sacred Music, Professor Ojakovo shares his expertise in ethnomusicology and discusses the center's programs and resources that enrich our knowledge of African Diaspora Sacred Music. This episode is available beginning February 22. Don't miss it!

Behind-the-scenes

When I'm recording podcast episodes, my guests usually see me sitting in front of the SoCal Voices-branded backdrop wearing over-the-ear headphones and speaking into a microphone. What they don't see is the front view of my tiny-but-tidy space, with sound absorption panels on the room's four walls, my laptop, ring light and smart cam. It's a comfortable and simple setup that works well. I sometimes do in-person recordings in this space. That requires a different setup. I'll share in a future edition of the newsletter!

Go, Eat, Thrive! There is still time for you to enjoy Black History Month events and activities in Southern California. Check out these links to events happening now through the remainder of the month. Remember, you can support Black businesses and cultural events all year round. Black history is American history. Go! Eat! Thrive!

​ ​Los Angeles​ ​Riverside​ ​Orange County​ ​San Diego County​ ​San Bernardino County​

Have a question or comment for me or about the podcast? I would love to hear from you. Message me on social media or my fan page or reach out to me on the podcast website. Links in the footer!

Until next time,

Angela Ross Founder & Host, SoCal Voices