Daphne A. Brooks is author of Liner Notes for the Revolution, Jeff Buckley’s Grace and Bodies in Dissent, winner of the Errol Hill Award for outstanding scholarship in African American performance studies. A professor at Yale University, she has written liner notes to accompany the recordings of Aretha Franklin, Tammi Terrell, and Prince, as well as stories for the New York Times, The Guardian, The Nation, and Pitchfork.

Fiery String Sistas! is a highly intuitive and energetic ensemble that provides a refreshing alternative to the standard Jazz band. Since 2011, the ensemble has been committed to pushing the limits of string, ensemble playing, and improvisation to the next level. Founder and cellist Nioka Workman is joined by stellar artists, violinist Marlene Rice, bassist Endea Owen, vocalist/pianist Mala Waldron, and percussionist Camille Gainer-Jones. The ensemble presents compelling performances that incorporate aspects of women’s culture, original compositions, American songbook standards, world music, and Jazz.