"Sounds of Music" Concert Series: Musique Noire

This "Sounds of Music" Concert is a ticketed event; ticket sales are online only, through Eventbrite. More information is on our "Sounds of Music" Concert Series page.

Our final concert in the series will feature this unique strings and percussion ensemble. Musique Noire was formed in 2005. The group's members, who reside in Detroit and Chicago, are veteran players nationally and internationally. Led by violinist Michelle May, the group produces a sophisticated sound showcasing extraodinary arrangements of world jazz music. Their instrumentation features Michelle on violin, Leslie Deshazor on viola, Leah Lucas Celebi on viola and violin, and the award-winning JoVia Armstrong on percussion, along with musicians on bass and guitar. Their debut CD, "Good Hair", features original songs (and three cover tunes) that reflect their musical influences in funk, Latin, world music and jazz. 2011 saw the release of their second CD, "Holiday Dreams: A Celebration of Christmas", with their spin on traditional Christmas tunes and the jazz classic, "A Child Is Born". 2017 will see the release of their newest project, "Reflections: We Breathe" a project honoring women in the arts. Musique Noire were 2009, 2010 and 2011 Detroit Music Awards nominees for Outstanding Jazz Recording (2009), Outstanding World/Reggae Group (2009, 2010 and 2011), and 2015 Winners as Best Female Band of the Year in the Black Women in Jazz and Fine Arts Awards. This concert includes dinner and drinks.