TRAC presents ‘Lady Sings the Blues’

B.J. Reed. (Contributed Photo)
B.J. Reed. (Contributed Photo)

The Two Rivers Arts Council (TRAC) will present Lady Sings the Blues featuring B.J. Reed on Saturday, July 23 at 7 p.m. at the Demopolis Civic Center.

World-class gospel, jazz and contemporary vocalist, Brenda “B.J.” Reed, is acclaimed by her fans, audiences, and critics alike for her dynamic and captivating vocal performances. For years she has touched the hearts of many through her soulful performances. “B.J.” as she is affectionately called, delivers incredibly moving vocal performances that embraces her strong social, philosophical and religious values. Lady Sings the Blues is a night of jazz, rhythm, and blues. B.J. Reed evokes the sounds of Dinah Washington, Tina Turner, Billie Holiday as well as other selections from jazz greats.

Reed has traveled throughout the United States performing soul-stirring renditions of some of America’s best-loved recordings. Included in her travels are Las Vegas, NV where she sang at several area lounges on the Las Vegas strip; Harlem, NY where she performed at the Apollo Theater live on “Showtime At The Apollo” (1991); Washington, DC on Capitol Hill (1997) where she sang at the birthday celebration of Senator Ted Kennedy; Houston, TX for the wedding of former LA Lakers player, Robert Horry (1999); and Savanna, GA where she was a quarterfinalist in the International American Traditions Competition during the “Savannah On Stage Arts Festival” (2002). Reed was the winner of the Pride Talent Search as the “Female Vocalist of the Year” in 1990, 1995 and 1998. Her professional debut was launched in 1999 and held at the gorgeous Bama Theater attended by hundreds of enthusiastic supporters.

Although gospel is her first love, Reed performs jazz, R&B and other genres of music in collaboration with a variety of local and national musicians. She studied voice at Stillman College under the direction of Dr. James A. Williams from 1976-78. She attended Nancy Bounds Modeling and Finishing School in Omaha, NE in 1989. Reed returned to Stillman in 2000 and graduated with honors in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Today, she continues to entertain at a variety of events and works devoutly to inspire the youth as a vocal instructor for the Alabama Blues Project.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Admission is free for TRAC members. The arts council will provide light refreshments, and guests are invited to bring anything sweet or savory, as well as a beverage of their choosing. For more information contact Morgan Allen at 334.289.1595 or visit www.brendabjreed.com