Streetlight Guild presents “The New Black Eastside Songbook,” a six-song suite conceptualized by Columbus writer Scott Woods featuring new music composed by The Ogun Meji Duo, Counterfeit Madison, Krate Digga, Paisha Thomas and Jordan Sandidge.

“The New Black Eastside Songbook” is an exploration of black life and culture in Columbus historically and now, touching on subjects ranging from local jazz legends and privilege to the police and gentrification. It interrogates the definition of Columbus culture, and what relationship such culture might have to the people who both create and partake of it. Utilizing some of Columbus’ brightest musical talent across a variety of styles and backgrounds, this work seeks to establish a bar for the marriage of political context and musical examination, adding new bricks to the foundation of whatever Columbus culture may entail.

PROGRAM
1. Welcome to Bronzeville
2. Blight Privilege
3. Rahsaan Rollin’ In The Dirt
4. Olde Town Beast
5. Things To Do In Black Columbus
6. Bulldozing The Ave

Funded by the Johnstone Fund for New Music, this performance is part of the “New Music at Short North Stage” free concert series. Cocktails will be available for purchase an hour before the concert at Ethel’s Lounge, adjacent to the theater. Seating is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Recommended for guests age nine and older. Parking is available at a lot just south of the theater and at nearby meters. Free street parking is available after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays on the south side of Fifth Avenue west of High Street around the corner from the theater.