The Hold On To Love Concert f/ Canadian Singer-Songwriter & Actress "SHAKURA S'AIDA" w/ Blues Legend "LADY A"

 

Experience an unbelievable night of Blues & Soul music with two beautiful and inspiring internationally recognized entertainers.

These talented artists come together on stage for the first time in Portland, it's an exclusive show you won't soon forget!

 

The Elevate Unity Benefit Music Series is a collective effort created specifically to reconnect our community, & promote unity through the healing message of music! 

Our focus is to advocate for inclusion and equality, and financially support live music. 

 

Shakura S’Aida is an award-winning performer, who has traveled the globe for more than two decades, connecting and inspiring audiences with her powerful vocals. An undeniable talent and an outspoken advocate for human rights and racial equality, her artistic work reflects that which impacts and connects us all: Love, conflict, community, life, and death. “I believe we all have a responsibility to look after each other,” says the Toronto-based artist. “I see, create, and use music as a way to bring people together.”

A central figure in Toronto’s music scene, the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised entertainer has garnered not only an international recording and touring career but has shined on the theatre stage as star and creator of the four-woman tribute to Nina Simone, The Nina Project, and in roles on-screen including as Lena, member of the beloved “Jazzagals” in the acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, and most recently as Cora Lewis, mother to Batwoman in DC Comics / Warner Brother’s hit series of the same name. 

Shakura’s career moved into high gear in 2008 with a triumphant performance at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, where she earned the runner-up position, competing against over 100 bands from more than twenty different countries. In the years since her tour schedule has taken her to thirty countries and into the hearts of thousands of music lovers.

With her first new album in ten years, Shakura is back with Hold on to Love; this time in the producer chair alongside co-producers Donna Grantis (Prince/3 rd Eye Girl), Keb’ Mo,’ and Roger Costa (Jeff Healey). The new album features collaborations with international artists, including Eric Gales, Lee Oskar, Terra Lightfoot, Kyla Charter, Larnell Lewis and more.

Alberta Abbey features a full bar and superb Creole Cajun food from Southern Grill Catering.

The Elevate Unity Benefit Music Series also supports the following local nonprofits:
Aspen Meadow Band, Music Portland, Black United Fund, PDX Jazz, Saturday Samaritans, Cascade Blues Association, Portland Columbia Symphony, Leukemia Lymphoma foundation, Friends of Noise, and Access to Opportunity.