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Photos
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Photo by JEB (Joan E Biren)
Photo by Susan Wilson
Photo by JEB (Joan E Biren)
Programs and Organizational Documents
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Varied Voices of Black Women Concert Program
October, 1978
Cambridge, Mass
Bessie Smith Memorial Production Collective Documents
October, 1978
Cambridge, Mass
Audio
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Full Concert
November 7, 1978
This is a recording of the final concert from the Olivia Records tour “The Varied Voices of Black Women,” which began in California and ended in Massachusetts. The concert features musicians Gwen Avery, Mary Watkins, Linda Tillery and poet Pat Parker, accompanied by a band of Olivia musicians. The show was broadcast despite technical difficulties. Hosted by Donna Allegra and produced by Donna Allegra, Adrienne Gantt, Judie Pasternak, and Viv Sutherland.
Courtesy of Pacifica Radio Archives
Radio Interview
The Lesbian Show – October 23, 1978
This episode of The Lesbian Show features a conversation among three of the four women from “Varied Voices of Black Women.” The guests are pianist Mary Watkins (b. 1939), singer and percussionist Linda Tillery (b.1948), and poet Pat Parker (1944-1989). Gwen Avery (1943-2014) is the fourth member of the production, but is not in this recording. This program also contains album cuts and live segments, opening with “Womanly Way” by Linda Tillery. Hosted by Donna Allegra.
Courtesy of Pacifica Radio Archives
Press Articles
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What is Black Women’s Music?
An Evening of Words and Music
Sporting Life Cover Feature
October, 1978
Cambridge, Mass
In Praise of Black Lesbian Music
Gay Community News Article
November, 1978
Cambridge, Mass
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