Melissa Etheridge and her full band will close out Season 4 of The Étude Sessions on Thursday, April 20th at the Stefanie H. Weill Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In a recent interview with The Sheboygan Press, Etheridge promised that the show will feature some of her classic songs as well as music from her now album, 'Memphis Rock and Soul.' The unique album is a tribute to the Memphis Blues and a historic time in America music. Stax Records was among the first to recognize that soul music transcended racial segregation in the 1960's - recording renown artists like Booker T and the M.G.s, Otis Redding, and the Mar-Keys. By reimagining songs from the Stax Records songbook, like "Respect Yourself" by the Staples Singers, Etheridge reminds us of some of the lessons learned through the Civil Rights Movement. At the same time, she applies her special rock artistry to move Memphis Blues into a new genre.
In a Rolling Stone interview, Etheridge shares the following about Stax and the Memphis Blues:
Melissa Etheridge is well known for giving voice to marginalized communities. We love that she brings her own energy to "Good Cause" as an artist in The Étude Sessions. Moreover, 'Memphis Rock and Soul" is an example of how artists become students of other artists, experts and their work. Our Good Cause is, of course, students in The Étude Group schools, who we hope to empower as leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and citizens through authentic learning experiences beyond classroom walls. The funds raised by this concert and season will support opportunities for students to participate in real world problem solving, college visits, artist-in-residence programs, and field experiences.
Please join us for a night of great music, supporting our schools and a tradition of empowerment through the arts.