International Anthem Presents:
The Summer of Stepney events begin with a Kickoff Party at beloved Chicago venue The Hideout, on the afternoon of Sunday May 29th. The Kickoff Party will feature a front porch conversation between the Stepney Sisters and Chicago culture historian Ayana Contreras, DJ sets by King Hippo & Scottie McNiece, and a performance by a new large ensemble – called Rotary Connection 222 – under the musical direction of International Anthem recording artist Junius Paul.
Featuring:
Rotary Connection 222
Rotary Connection 222 is a new large ensemble created by Junius Paul in collaboration with the Stepney Sisters, and in its current state features Makaya McCraven (drums), Jackson Shepard (guitar), Alexis Lombre (keys), Meagan McNeal (vocals), and Stepney’s granddaughter Brandice Manuel (vocals). Across several Summer of Stepney events TBA, Rotary Connection 222 will grow to include 24 total musicians performing new interpretations of Stepney’s signature sound, with new arrangements written by De’Sean Jones and Jeff Parker, for their culminating August 18th performance at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
To keep abreast of all our Summer of Stepney activities, events,
performances, and releases, bookmark this webpage: