SistaStrings • Phillip-Michael Scales • B~Free
Sun 02/16/20
7:00PM
All Ages
uncategorized
$12 ADV // $15 DOS
Show Lineup
SistaStrings
(Milwaukee, WI)
Genre: Experimental
The sound of SistaStrings can’t be described in one word. The Milwaukee-based sister duo (Chauntee – violin, Monique – cello) combines their classical background with R&B and a touch of gospel that culminates in a deep, lush sound. Formed in 2014 after the sisters graduated from college, the sisters began composing string arrangements for local hip-hop artists and the rest is history. SistaStrings has performed with Malik Yusef, Black Violin, Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony, Lupe Fiasco, BJ The Chicago Kid, and The Roots. They have soloed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Madison Symphony Orchestra. They will be releasing their debut EP in 2019.
Phillip-Michael Scales
(Chicago, IL)
Genre: Soul
Growing up, Phillip-Michael Scales had an uncle who played guitar for a living. He knew it was a big deal but didn’t understand the significance that his Uncle’s name was B.B. King. Even though Phillip-Michael played guitar, he shied away from soloing and most things blues. Instead, he fell in love with songwriting when an english teacher told him “A great writer can make their reader identify with anyone.” The trouble was he couldn’t find his story in the blues.
Born with a fierce independent streak and a passion for performing, Scales fronted his own indie bands, wrote and recorded his own music, and worked to make a name for himself on his own terms. All the while, his uncle just smiled a knowing smile and encouraged him to “stay with it.” As Phillip-Michael began to discover “the blues” in his private and personal life, their relationship grew closer.
It wasn’t until his Uncle passed away, that Scales began incorporating more of the blues into his music. “These days I’m finding more of my story in the blues. A lot has led me here between politics, my identity, and of course: Legacy.” The result is a sound he calls “Dive Bar Soul” which takes a bit of indie rock story telling and couples it with the passion of the blues.
B~Free
(Milwaukee)
Genre: R&B, Recording Engineer, Speaker
Singer, producer, content creator & multi-instrumentalist B~Free, is a contemporary artist & Milwaukee native who has dedicated her life to the arts. Her training in flute, voice & piano has earned her multiple degrees in musical studies, along with a vast career in music performance, curation & education. In the span of her profession, B~Free has released two self-produced independent albums, with the latter being lauded as the #1 Milwaukee album by the Journal Sentinel within the year of its release. She’s graced various stages from Summerfest & Turner Hall to the Marcus Performing Arts Center, & served as direct opening tour support for such acts as Janelle Monáe & Moonchild. Currently, B~Free leads as the Program Director for Radio Milwaukee’s Youth Program, “Grace Weber’s Music Lab.” She continues to regularly produce & release original music, including a single with National recording artist Durand Bernarr, as well as the prominent anthem, “iProduce My Own Sh*t.”