Sweet Honey in the Rock to perform at the Phillips Center on Feb. 15

February 14, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Combining soul-stirring a cappella harmonies with American Sign Language interpretation, Sweet Honey in the Rock has been entertaining and uplifting audiences around the globe for more than 30 years. The Grammy award-winning group brings their special blend of spirituals, hymns, gospel, jazz and blues to the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 15.

Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater, Sweet Honey in the Rock has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture of Washington, D.C., as well as in communities around the world. Their biblically-inspired name comes from Psalm 81:16, which promises that a people will be fed by honey out of the rock.

Firmly rooted in the sacred music of the black church, and committed to creating music out of the rich textures of African-American legacy and traditions, Sweet Honey in the Rock possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures the complex sounds of the blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, hip-hop, ancient lullabies and jazz improvisation. In addition to their stunning a cappella vocals, the group includes American Sign Language interpretation, making their concerts both accessible and moving.

Sweet Honey in the Rock’s discography includes “Good News,” “Live at Carnegie Hall,” “All for Freedom,” “Still the Same Me,” “Endings and Beginnings,” “Raise Your Voice” and their latest, Grammy nominated release, “Experience…101.”

Sweet Honey in the Rock will perform at the Phillips Center at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15. There will be a pre-performance discussion with UF Professor Stephanie Evans at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are: $30, front orchestra and mezzanine; $25, mid-orchestra; $20, rear orchestra; and $15, balcony. The performance is sponsored by the Gainesville Guardian.

Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or by calling Ticketmaster at 904-353-3309 or toll free at 800-277-1700. Orders may also be faxed to 352-846-1562. Tickets are also available in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Union and all Ticketmaster outlets; and on the web at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group tickets are also available.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open Monday – Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and two hours prior to the performance. Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.