Athens State Welcomes Jonathan Blanchard for Black History Month Workshop and Concert

(News Release) Soul singer Jonathan Blanchard will be coming to Athens State University to headline a workshop and concert as the University celebrates Black History Month. The workshop portion is titled, “How to Entertain, Educate and Enlighten” and the concert portion is titled, “Music of the Movement.”

“Music of the Movement” will be an interactive experience that explores and explains the music that shaped the Civil Rights Era. Blanchard uses music and the arts to explore historical events and social issues.

Blanchard recently released his first studio album titled “Freedom’s Soul….the REVOLUTION.” His talent came to maturity while immersed in Memphis’s often raucous, inspirational, yet always divergent styles of music and art. He possesses a voice comparable in depth and richness to the great Isaac Hayes, Paul Robeson, and Barry White and creates music that allows his deep, soulfully rich voice to blend naturally with the times. He movingly conveys poignant words and melodies to evoke feelings of love, respect, hard times, and revolt. His throwback, soul stirring style of singing fills the atmosphere with undeniable presence.

Blanchard is heavily influenced by Memphis artists who preceded him such as EWF, The Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, and WC Handy. He describes his lyrical content as simply being “honest” and is able to express his views on an array of subject matter with commonality and practicality.

This event will take place on February 16, 2023, at the Alabama Center for the Arts – Performing Arts Building, Recital Hall. The workshop will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the concert following at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, no registration is required.

Address for the Alabama Center for the Arts: 133 2nd Avenue NE, Decatur, AL 35601