Cover Story
LEGACY 166 presents...Flutist Althea Rene
Soul Artist Marenikae Makes Her Mobile Debut
National Recording Artist Althea Rene will perform in Mobile at the Battle House Hotel and Spa
on Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 PM. Also appearing will be Soul Artist Marenikae. Legacy 166, a local
non-profit arts organization is presenting the Jazz N’ Juice Music Series along with non-profit
partners Mobile BayKeeper, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy, and Penelope House. Proceeds from
the series will go to all four organizations to continue their charitable works.
Althea Rene was born December 25th in Detroit, Michigan and began her musical journey at the
tender age four. She studied classical music while attending Howard University in Washington D.C.
and later gained further musical inspiration from the accomplishments of Yusef Lateef,
Ian Anderson, and her father, one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers, Dezie
McCullers. She has since developed her own creative style.
For more than 10 years she was employed as a Wayne County Deputy
Sheriff (Detroit, Michigan). Today, she is a full-time performing/recording
artist and some regard her as a “master of her craft” and one of the
world’s most exciting solo improvisational flutists.
In May 2013, she released her fifth project “In The Flow.” Collaborating
with Grammy award winning producer Michael Broening, (producer for
legendary icons George Benson and Paul McCartney) she co-wrote the
title track. That single became her biggest hit and reached number one
ranking on both the Billboard Chart and the Smooth Jazz Chart. Althea
Rene made history by becoming the first flute player in the history of
Billboard Chart to reach the number one spot.
In April 2015, Althea Rene recorded her first live project. She and her
rhythm section annihilated the stage of the beautiful Detroit Public Library
with a free concert. Music fans from all over Michigan enjoyed a scorching hot
performance. A compilation of some of her greatest hits, “Live in Detroit” is
arguably her strongest work to date.
Marenikae is a 21 year old Nigerian singer song writer who has been writing
songs since the age of 14. Ever the perfectionist she spent time listening to spoken
word poetry, attending poetry writing workshops and listening to great orators in
an attempt to perfect her song writing skills. She remains completely enthralled
by the works of Alysia Harris, Jasmine Mans and many other young fiery poets.
Sonically, Marenikae continues to be inspired by the works of many different
artists ranging from Aaliyah to Paramore. What She enjoys the most about making
music is the way one can combine honest story telling, fluid lyricism and amazing
sounds to create something memorable. Marenikae’s musical style is a combination
of R&B, Pop and Soul with strong roots in AC; her hobbies include reading, writing
and the Cartoon Network.
This show will mark the second presentation in the Jazz N’ Juice Music Series.
The “Juice” represents the proceeds from ticket sales that will benefit programs
offered by four area non-profits; Legacy 166 that will fund an after-school arts
enrichment program, Mobile BayKeeper that will fund environmental programs,
Ozanam Pharmacy that provides free medication to the uninsured patients of Mobile,
Baldwin and Escambia Counties, and Penelope House that provides support to the
victims of Domestic Violence and their children. Tickets are $25 and are available at
Penelope’s Closet at 63 N. Florida Street; Mobile BayKeeper at 450 Government Street
Suite C; and Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy at 571 Dauphin Street. Tickets can also be
ordered online at www.legacy166.com. For more information call 251-533-5726. D
JULY 2015
www.SteppinOutMobile.com
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