From The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC):
World-Famous Bluesman Taj Mahal brings his trio to SOPAC June 30 at 7:30 p.m. Taj Mahal is a 2014 recipient of the Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award alongside such luminaries as Jackson Browne, Loretta Lynn, and Flaco Jimenez. Though his career began more than four decades ago with American Blues, Taj Mahal has broadened his artistic scope to include music representing virtually every corner of the globe – the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific and many more. Over the years, Taj Mahal’s passion and curiosity have led him around the world, and the resulting global perspective is reflected in his music. What ties it all together is his insatiable interest in musical discovery.
Taj Mahal is a music legend and an international treasure. The two-time Grammy Award-winner emerged from the music scene of the 1960s as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who formed the band Rising Sons with fellow Blues musicians Ry Cooder and Jessie Lee Kincaid. He released his self-titled first album in 1968, and followed it with The Natch’l Blues (1968) and Giant Step (1969). With two Grammy Awards and nine Grammy Award nominations to his credit, you would think he might slow down a little, but this world-class artist constantly seeks inspiration with collaboration and innovation. Almost 50 years later he is still making music with some of the greatest musicians in the world. His recent collaborators include The Blind Boys of Alabama, Van Morrison, The Roots, Eric Clapton and The Allman Brothers Band.
“What inspires me most about my career is that I’ve been able to make a living playing the music that I always loved and wanted to play since the early 50s,” says Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal Trio will perform at SOPAC June 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $62-$77 and can be purchased online at SOPACnow.org, or by calling the box office at (973) 313-2787.
Roots music finger-style guitar wizard Toby Walker will open for Taj Mahal. Toby blends the styles of Blues, Ragtime, Country, Bluegrass, Rock and old time Jazz into his own unique style. In 2010 Walker won the NY Music Award for ‘Best Instrumental CD,’ sharing the honors with Mariah Carey, Rufus Wainwright and Judy Collins among many others.
Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna and the Jefferson Airplane says “Flat out… you have to hear this great musician… I’m blown away.” Along with his touring throughout the year, Toby now teaches guitar every summer at Kaukonen’s renowned Fur Peace Ranch.
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About SOPAC
Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The premier arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC—a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz N’ the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions. SOPAC also presents performances by its theater company in residence, Midtown Direct Rep, and its dance company in residence, Lydia Johnson Dance. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.
