BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo Department of Music is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed jazz singer, composer, and visual artist, Cécile McLorin Salvant to perform in concert on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 7:30pm in UB’s Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall.
Her passion for storytelling through music has captivated audiences and has drawn much anticipation for her arrival in Buffalo. The last time Salvant performed in Buffalo was April 26, 2014, over nine years ago. Notable works of hers include:
- “For One to Love” (2015)
- “Dreams and Daggers” (2017)
- “The Window” (2018)
Tickets are $20. Advance tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster or at the Center for the Arts Box Office Tuesday-Friday from 12-6pm, or at the Slee Hall box office within the hour before concert time. UB students with a valid ID are entitled to one complimentary ticket (to this and all UB Music Department concerts), and may pick up their complimentary ticket right before the concert.
Salvant is known for her ability to blend genres of music including vaudeville, blues, theater, jazz, baroque, and folkloric music. Her works explore underappreciated songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics, unexpected twists, and humor. Salvant first earned public acclaim in 2010 after winning the Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition.
Salvant followed this with three consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album for “The Window”, “Dreams and Daggers”, and “For One to Love”, and was also nominated for the award in 2014 for her album, “WomanChild”. She continues to expand her style from lesser-known blues and gospel standards to her own unique and intimate originals that experiment in poetry, narration, and history.
Strongly influenced by Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, and Betty Carter, Salvant incorporates her own style that is emotive, highly resonant, and displays virtuosity in vocal control. Her works showcase her love of classic acoustic jazz alongside her French heritage.
Salvant continues to achieve acclaim and accolades. In 2020, Salvant received the MacArthur fellowship and the Doris Duke Artist Award. “Ghost Song” released in 2022, has gone on to receive two Grammy Nominations.
Her follow up album, “Mélusine”, released in 2023 and now Grammy Nominated, is sung mostly in French, along with Occitan, English, and Haitian Kreyòl and includes a mix of originals and interpretations of songs dating as far back as the 12th century. There is eager anticipation for Salvant to perform in Buffalo, and is sure to be an unforgettable experience for those in attendance.
Local Buffalo, NY artist, Curtis Lovell, will open for Cécile McLorin Salvant with a 20 minute set.
