Sweet Honey in the Rock Announces Plans to Perform and Protest in Song for Scheduled Dates in North Carolina May 13/14

Internationally renowned a cappella ensemble and activists, SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, whose mission is empowerment, education and entertainment have announced they will proceed with their scheduled engagements in Goldsboro at the Paramount Theatre, May 13th, and High Point Theatre, May 14th, in North Carolina.

New York, NY, May 14, 2016 - Internationally renowned a cappella ensemble and activists, SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, whose mission is empowerment, education and entertainment have announced they will proceed with their scheduled engagements in Goldsboro at the Paramount Theatre, May 13th, and High Point Theatre, May 14th, in North Carolina. They will protest in song to express their opposition to the passage of the HB2 anti-transgender (so-called "bathroom law") that has embroiled North Carolina in a national controversy.

In their official announcement, the group stated, "Sweet Honey in the Rock has always stood for justice, freedom, dignity, and basic human rights for all people, regardless of race, religion, age, ability, economic status, political affiliation, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and our diverse audiences reflect these principles. In 2010, we joined many other artists in the boycott against the unjust policy in Arizona (SB 1070) By declining to perform, however, we were constantly reminded by those in the struggle that they needed our voices for support. "

"Although we do not endorse the recent passing of the unjust HB2 anti-transgender law in North Carolina, we will honor our prior commitments (Goldsboro, May 13; High Point, May 14) to offer music which will uplift and inspire all those who believe it is imperative to stand together against injustice. We who believe in freedom cannot rest."

For more information on Sweet Honey In The Rock, please visit their website: http://sweethoneyintherock.org/

Media Contact for Interviews/Requests: Chip Schutzman – Miles High Productions, 323-806-0400/chip@mileshighproductions.com

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323 806-0400
http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Sweet Honey in the Rock Set for Australian Concert Tour and Headlining Engagement at Festival of Voices July 8-17 2015

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism

New York, NY, July 01, 2015 - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom are returning to Australia for a mini-tour July 8th - July 18th. The tour will be highlighted by their special guest appearance at the 12th Annual Festival of Voices scheduled for July 2-12 in Hobart, Tasmania. The Festival attracts thousands of singers throughout Australia who learn new repertoire and skills, work with exceptional teachers, meet fellow vocalists and choristers and perform at the host venue, the Music Recital Hall in Hobart. Sweet Honey will be hosting workshops from July 8th - 12th. They will headline their own concert at the Music Recital Hall on July 10th and deliver an abbreviated performance with some of featured choir participants as part the Festival's finale concert on July 12th.

Sweet Honey will also perform major concerts at the Princess Theatre in Launceston, Tasmania, July 14th, City Recital Hall in Sydney, July 16th and the Melbourne Recital Hall in Melbourne, July 18th. The ensemble last toured Australia in 2013 which was highlighted by their performance at the internationally renowned Byron Bay Bluesfest.

"We're truly honored and excited to be invited by The Festival Of Voices to share the power of our unique musical offerings and global experience," stated Carol Maillard, one of the group's founding members. "We're looking forward to collaborating with all the choral ensembles in the workshops and performing concerts for our loyal Australian and Aboriginal fans in Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney."

Sweet Honey will be jetting to Australia fresh from the recording studio in their home base of Washington, DC. The ensemble has been putting the finishing touches on their first album comprised of primarily original songs since "Go In Grace," (released in 2008 as the soundtrack for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company's 50th Anniversary theatrical piece of the same title). Their new album will also feature several notable cover songs from their live show of which they are recording for the first time. The album is set for release this fall on Appleseed Recordings.

Last month the group completed their fourth international US Embassy tour this year in Swaziland. They were previously invited by the US Embassies in Ethiopia, Peru and Jamaica in February to help them honor and celebrate Black History Month.

They performed several major concerts and contributed to community programs sponsored by the Embassy in each respective country. Last year, Sweet Honey made their premiere US Embassy tour (August 27- 31) as part of the Arts Envoy program to Belize. The Arts Envoy Program is a longstanding outreach program and initiative sponsored by the US State Department.

One of the major highlights of their visit to Swaziland was their debut appearance at the MTN Bushfire Festival (May 29-31) which featured a special collaboration on two songs (one by each artist) with noted songwriter/singer Floewe (real name Fikile Dhladhla) a native of Swaziland. CNN recently noted the Festival is one of the top seven "must attend music festivals" in Africa.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, which celebrated their 40th Anniversary last year is comprised of vocalist's Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil and Shirley Childress (American Sign Language Interpreter). The ensemble also features special guest bassist (acoustic upright and electric bass) Romeir Mendez.

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK go to: www.sweethoneyintherock.org

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Sweet Honey in the Rock Set for US Embassy Tour in Swaziland with Performance at the 9th Annual Bushfire Music Festival May 27-30th

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism.

New York, NY, May 21, 2015 - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom has been invited by the United States Embassy in Swaziland and the Arts Envoy Program to perform at the internationally acclaimed 9th Annual MTN Bushfire Music Festival (May 30th) and to contribute to several cultural and community outreach programs and high school workshops sponsored by Embassy. The Sweet Honey tour dates and activities are scheduled May 27- 30, 2015.

The Swaziland tour marks the ensemble's fourth international US Embassy tour this year. They were invited in by the US Embassies in Ethiopia, Peru and Jamaica in February to help them honor and celebrate Black History Month. They performed several major concerts and contributed to community programs sponsored by the Embassy in each respective country.

One of the major highlights of their visit to Swaziland will be their debut performance at the MTN Bushfire Festival (May 29-31) which will feature a special collaboration on two songs (one by each artist) with noted songwriter/singer Floewe (real name Fikile Dhladhla) a native of Swaziland.. CNN recently noted the Festival is one of the top seven "must attend music festivals" in Africa. Each year the Festival attracts a diversified mix of globally renowned artists and performersthat "Bring Their Fire" for a multi-cultural and international audience that reaches 20,000 people strong.

"We're truly honored and excited to be invited to visit Swaziland by the US Embassy" says Carol Maillard, one of Sweet Honey's founding members. "We've enjoyed serving as cultural ambassadors and artists for all the Embassies and countries we've visited.We're deeply grateful to be given another opportunity to share our music and messages with the people in Swaziland," she added.

In addition to their headlining performance at Bushfire, Sweet Honey will also host a workshop and deliver an abbreviated performance for the Bushfire School Festival, which facilitates workshops for over 750 students from 40 schools and youth groups, led by over 60 teachers throughout the music festival.

Sweet Honey will host a workshop and performfor 500 high school students (15-18) from all over Swaziland. The School Festival is designed to motivate and foster social behavioral change, especially related to HIV. They will host a workshop and perform for 350 students at Elangeni High School during their visit as well.

Sweet Honey will also serve as guest performers at a special welcoming reception by Makila James, the US Ambassador to Swaziland at her private residence. The reception will be attended by local VIP's, dignitaries, artists, musicians and poets who will be performing at the Bushfire Music Festival.

Last year, Sweet Honey made their premiere US Embassy tour (August 27- 31) as part of the longstanding Arts Envoy program to Belize. The Arts Envoy Program is a longstanding outreach program and initiative by the US State Department.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, which celebrated their 40th Anniversary last year is comprised of vocalists Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Shirley Childress (American Sign Language Interpreter) and special guest acoustic upright/electric bass player Romeir Mendez.

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK go to:
www.sweethoneyintherock.org

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Sweet Honey in the Rock Slated for Performance Tours Hosted by The US Embassy in Peru and Jamaica to Celebrate Black History Month

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism

New York, NY, February 22 2015 - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom have been invited by the US Embassy in Lima, Peru and Kingston, Jamaica for a series of concert performances and cultural community outreach workshops to support and celebrate Black History Monthprograms spearheaded by each Embassy.

"We're truly honored and excited to have been invited by the US Embassies in Ethiopia, Peru and Jamaica to perform and celebrate Black History Month," says Carol Maillard, one of Sweet Honey's founding members. "It is truly an honor to serve as cultural ambassadors and artists during this special time and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share our music and messages around the globe," she added.

The US Embassy in Lima,Peru has invited SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK to celebrate Black History Month and draw attention to Rule of Law/Administration of Justice related activities. Program dates are from February 20-24 (2/22-24 in Lima 2/21 in Ayacucho).

Their activities in Peru will target at risk youth, Afro Peruvian populations, artists, activists, alumni, the police community, incarcerated youth and general audiences. The visit to Ayacucho will be the first public event for the U.S. Mission for a number of years and signals the return of U.S. interest in the area. The group's mini-tour will be capped by a performance at the prestigious Gran Teatro Nacional in Lima followed by a special reception hosted by the US Ambassador to Peru, Brian A. Nichols.

Immediately following their stay in Peru, Sweet Honey will travel to Kingston, Jamaica to participate in several Black History Month events hosted by the US Embassy in Kingston., February 26-27. The Embassy has beenworking tirelessly on the theme “Equal Citizenship for all Jamaicans”. This theme also supports the “Respect Jamaica” (private sector initiative) and “Respect” campaign of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).Persons with disabilities and those who practice alternative lifestyles (i.e. based on sexual orientation/gender identification) are often on the margins of society and not treated equally in several ways. The Embassy's campaign this month emphasizes that human rights are not special to any group (majority, minority or marginal) and that it is simply everyone’s right to be valued and protected in the society in which they live.

Sweet Honey will be honored as special guests of the US Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno and will perform at a privatereception at his residence on Feb. 26th. Earlier in the day, Sweet Honey will host two culturally inspired workshops for youth and adults at "Blues on the Green," Emancipation Park in New Kingston. On February 27th, they will headline the Embassy's annual Black History month concert for an estimated 7000 people at "Blues on the Green," Emancipation Park.

Earlier this month Sweet Honey was invited by U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to contribute to several Black History Month cultural and educational events highlighting the contributions of African Americans, and in particular African American women, have made in the fields of music, art, politics and business. Their visit to Ethiopia (Feb 2 - 5) was kicked off with special reception andperformance at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa.

They also collaborated and performed a concert with the Ethiopian female a cappella musical group Yegna at the Mulualem Hall in Bahir Dar on February 3rd, hosted a master class at the Mekaneyesus Jazz School in Addis Ababa on February 4th and performed on February 4th at Mama’s Kitchen Restaurant and Night Club in Bole.

Last year, Sweet Honey made their premiere US Embassy tour (August 27- 31) as part of the longstanding Arts Envoy program to Belize. The Arts Envoy Program is a longstanding outreach program and initiative by the US State Department that's hosted by the US Embassy in Belize. Sweet Honey performed concerts in Belize City, Dangriga and Placentia and conducted artist exchange workshops with a couple of noted Belizean artists.

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK go to:
www.sweethoneyintherock.org

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Sweet Honey in the Rock set for Seasonal Run of December Tourdates

" Celebrating The Holydays" Performances

New York, NY, November 26, 2014 - Venerable a cappella ensemble SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK will kick-off the holiday season with a series of themed concert performances entitled SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: CELEBRATING THE HOLYDAYS. The seasonal presentation, which comprises inspirational and spiritual holiday music from around the world has been presented annually for several years will cap the ensemble's celebration of their 40TH Anniversary this year.

CELEBRATING THE HOLYDAYS is a rare fusion of traditional American holiday spiritual songs and hymns, as well as songs from other cultures and religions, ranging from Africa to Israel. The show includes songs from their Nativity Suite collection, which the group wrote and produced for the American Bible Association video series, including “Jesus, What A Wonderful Child,” and “Children Go Where I Send Thee.” It also features notable Sweet Honey classics such as, “We Are,” “Let There Be Peace,” and “Chinese Proverb.”

Sweet Honey will kick off their holiday run at the Flynn Center in Burlington, VT on December 4th and will make their final appearance of the year at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ on December 20th.

Sweet Honey will feature core members Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil and Shirley Childress (American Sign Interpreter) along with featured guest vocalist Navasha Daya.

The complete list of dates are listed below. For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, go to www.sweethoneyintherock.org.

December 4 - Flynn Theater, Burlington, VT

December 6 - Juanita K. Hammons Hall, Springfield, MO

December 7 - Symphony Center, Chicago, IL

December 12 - Colonial Theatre, Keene, NH

December 13 - Brooklyn Center For The Performing Arts, Brooklyn, NY

December 14 - Birchmere, Alexandria, VA

December 18 - Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC

December 20 - New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ

For More information on Sweet Honey In The Rock please contact: Chip Schutzman/Miles High Productions/323-806-0400

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

Sweet Honey in the Rock Launches 40th Anniversary "Forty & Fierce" 2014 US Tour

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice

New York, NY, February 14, 2014 - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom has announced the launch of the SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK - 40TH ANNIVERSARY: FORTY & FIERCE 2014 year and kicked off their premiere show at the Zellerbach Auditorium at UC Berkeley, CA.

The Berkeley performance kick-offs a West Coast run that also includes performances during Black History month at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley, CA, 2/15, the Newmark Theater in Portland, 2/17, and The Triple Door in Seattle, WA, 2/18-19. The ensemble will finish up their initial run of dates with performances at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD on March 1 and as part of the popular Celebrity Series at Symphony Hall in Boston, MA on March 2.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK has configured two different productions to honor and celebrate their 40th Anniversary throughout the year. The enhanced FORTY & FIERCE production (which is being presented at Zellerbach, Strathmore and Symphony Hall) is their most adventurous live performance presentation to date. It's their first fully scripted show with a storyline, which is helmed by noted Director/Choreographer Dianne McIntyre. The show fuses a video projected montage of archival images of the ensemble and poignant historical moments that are woven into a scrapbook and retrospective motif that will be synced to some of the musical segments. Throughout the show each member will also share their own intimate personal stories in dialogue and perform influential songs that have highlighted their incredible journey over the past four decades.

The show will feature Sweet Honey's core members Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil and Shirley Childress (American Sign Interpreter) with special appearances by guest vocalist Navasha Daya, bassist Parker McAllister (acoustic upright and electric bass) and percussionist Samuel Turner. Musically, FORTY & FIERCE will rely on the depth of the ensemble's varied repertoire and newly arranged medleys and arrangements of some of their classics. Audiences will also be warmed up and treated to a special pre-show presentation entitled SHE-ROCKS 5 RADIO, that will comprise an audio compilation of their most revered songs. The program is hosted by DJ Merk (Epatha Merkerson) and produced by Louise Robinson and Jordon Maillard Ware.

The more intimate format SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK - 40TH ANNIVERSARY features the core group and guest bassist Parker McAllister and incorporates some of the storyline and staging elements of the larger production. However, it will not include the same audio visual and lighting components in intimate spaces such as the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley, the Newmark Theater in Portland and The Triple Door in Seattle.

"We're extremely excited and feel blessed to have experienced and enjoyed such longevity, and we're very thankful to all our loyal fans who have stood by us all these years," stated Sweet Honey's Carol Maillard. "They have been the driving force that has fueled all our artistic endeavors, and we're elated and happy to celebrate and share this special show with our fans and show them why we all feel "FORTY & FIERCE."

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK began creating its' adventurous and diverse mixture of blues, African, jazz, gospel and R & B music as a quartet in 1973. Formed by Dr. Bernice Reagon (who retired in 2004) the ensemble's patented sound was honed during a workshop at the D.C Black Repertory Theater Company in Washington, DC. Since that time, they have performed throughout the world, including South Africa, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, at many of the premiere venues in the United States, released 23 recordings, been featured in documentaries and amassed a distinguished list of honors, awards and accolades.

Last year they successfully launched their first ever fan based fundraising campaign with the Indie Gogo online platform. Funds derived from the campaign have been used to produce the FORTY & FIERCE show. Some of the supporters who made donations were awarded perks including being special guests of Sweet Honey at selected 40th Anniversary Shows. They also toured Europe and Australia, performed at the National Memorial Service for the late Nelson Mandela presented at the National Cathedral in Washington DC and were recipients of distinguished awards by the Search for Common Ground Organization in DC and "The Keeper Of Flame" Award" presented at the national convention and Signature Gala of the Delta Sigma Theta Society in Washington, DC.

In 2012, they performed at the unveiling ceremonies for the Martin Luther King monument on the National Mall. They also debuted their first ever orchestral collaboration, providing the lyrics for composer William Banfield’s “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra (Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director) and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC; the Minnesota Orchestra, (Osmo Vänskä, Music Director); and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Millennium Park, Chicago, released a thought-provoking single and video, “Are We A Nation,” inspired by the controversial immigration law that was enacted in Arizona . The song captured a Gold Songwriter Award from the 27th Mid-Atlantic Song Contest and was featured on an all-star compilation, “Bordersongs,” that raised money for the No More Deaths organization, which provides water and humanitarian aid along the Arizona/Mexico border. Their latest 2-CD set, “A Tribute – Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center,” pays homage to some of the great female African-American vocalists whose songs helped shape the group, including Abbey Lincoln, Odetta, Miriam Makeba, and Nina Simone.

For more information go to: www.sweethoneyintherock.org

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com