Eliza Howell Park
Songs of Freedom
An Evening of Healing and Celebration
UMS is partnering with Sidewalk Detroit to present Songs of Freedom, an evening of music, dance, and a candlelight healing ceremony. Join us!
The event will feature dance and drum performances, a candlelight healing ceremony, and a community sing led by renowned Dr. Brandon Waddles, Detroit artist, Director of Choral Activities at Wayne State University, and Artistic Director of the Rackham Choir. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the beauty of Eliza Howell Park.
Presented in partnership with Sidewalk Detroit, Detroit Parks Coalition, and New Detroit.
Brandon’s choral compositions and arrangements have been published and performed by choral ensembles around the world. In 2019, he was awarded as the inaugural recipient of the ACDA Diverse Voices Collaborative Grant. In addition, he has worked as a transcriber of Black gospel music for numerous choral octavos, hymnals and hymnal supplements published by GIA, including his work as a contributing editor for the One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism hymnal. Brandon’s release of Just In Case You’ve Forgotten is the first selected compendium of works by the late Thomas Whitfield, the subject of his dissertation. Dr. Waddles’ scholarship on Black sacred music has been experienced in the halls of Harvard, Yale, Morehouse and Hampton, and most recently on American Black Journal as seen on PBS.
Recently serving as Music Director for Grammy award-winning recording artist Ledisi, Brandon has collaborated with the celebrated singer on multiple occasions, including her Nina & Me concert series, the LEDISI: THE LEGEND OF LITTLE GIRL BLUE show-run at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone as seen on PBS.
Dr. Waddles persists in his commitment to community as National Music Director for NAACP ACT-SO, Artist in Residence at Midland Centre for the Arts, as well as Assistant Director of Music at Christ Church Cranbrook.