Jonathan Blanchard Coming to DSCC

Jonathan Blanchard, a soul singer with a style steeped in the culture of his home of Memphis, will perform his “Soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement,” Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County. This free event, sponsored by DSCC’s Office of Student Life, is held in conjunction with black history month and will take place at the Baptist Memorial Health Care Academic Building Auditorium.

A musical journey celebrating African American music from its inception, Blanchard’s performance includes vocal renditions from artists who shaped American culture through their art of song. His Negro spiritual serves as the inspiration and springboard for exploring genres such as gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, blues, funk and hip-hop.

Blanchard, a vocalist, educator and songwriter, has a deep, rich seductive sound that is unmatched in soul music. He has a soulful delivery reminiscent of artists Barry White, Isaac Hayes, Nat King Cole and Paul Robeson. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Music and a Master of Science degree in Music Education from Tennessee State University. A strong proponent of arts education, Blanchard celebrates the history of African American music by conducting programs and residencies in schools, colleges throughout the United States. He is a Lincoln Center Teaching Artist and serves as a teaching artist for the Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama Arts Commissions.

The community is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Erin Smith, director of student life, at 901-475-3166 or ecsmith@dscc.edu.

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