Jazz vocalist and DC-native Akua Allrich finds inspiration from a wide range of genres old and new, including soul, rhythm & blues, and pan-African music. She has produced and performed in many successful solo and group programs, including tribute programs to Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, and other great African American women of jazz. Akua’s most recent project, an eclectic Afro-futuristic jazz & blues album with Kris Funn, will be released in January.

She describes herself as a vocalist, teacher, mom and wife (and a whole bunch of other stuff!), that is “…really seeking to inspire and to be inspired through this music idiom, and to always find the light, to find my way in the business. The music business is a rite of passage you have to go through to reap the amazing benefits of being able to perform for people. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to build with other like-minded musicians, who are really great human beings; it makes it worth the toil. Creating such amazing pieces and projects with them is an honor. I’m enjoying it – I’m enjoying the ride.” International acclaim for Akua’s music proves that her many fans are enjoying it, too!”

Akua is excited to be returning to a more vigorous performing schedule, starting at the Arts Barn in December, with a lot to come in 2024. She observes that the Winter solstice is a good time to reflect and begin to expand.

When asked to describe her plans for the December 2nd concert, Akua expressed gratitude for the amazing lineup of musicians playing with her and promised that “We’re going to have a good time celebrating the coming Solstice and the Sun returning to the longer days. (We’ll) explore some different genres, including African influences, have fun with different rhythms and tempos… (We’ll play) some traditional straight-ahead tunes, some Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba, as well as originals specific to the energy of new beginnings, reverence for the Universe and Spirit.”

Join us for positive energy and great music at the Arts Barn!

Akua Allrich, with Sam Prather (keys), Herman Burney (bass), Tyler Leak (drums).
December 2, 8:00pm
Arts Barn 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36017/performance/11363997