Speaker Series & Concert: Benita Charles

Exclusively for Harlem Week: I will present a special presentation at the Harlem Public Library on August 3rd. 

At the event, I will share my musical journey and my approach to songwriting. I will also perform my original music from my Moments In Love CD, We Can Make A Difference EP as well as my new single, Never Ever Give Up! I look forward to sharing my passion and joy to the audience.

I hope you can join me! (This is a free event.)

Never Ever Give Up: Producer Jason Thompson discusses the Creative Process

Producer Jason Thompson and Benita Charles on location in New York City

Producer, Jason Thompson discusses his vision and process of the music video, Never Ever Give Up by Benita Charles. He takes you step-by-step through his process and how he was able to integrate his vision with Benita's vision for her video. (filmed on October 20, 2018).

A special thanks to all who contributed to the Never Ever Give Up Project:

Production Team:

Jason Thompson (producer) 
Patrice Carter (stylist) 

Video actors: 

Nijah Miller (Bully)

Erica Norris (Bully victim) 
Yolanda Norris (business owner) 

Song credits:

Jean Wiltz (co-writer) 
Themi (producer)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-ever-give-up-single/1353809887

Thanks for supporting Make Music New York with the Benita Charles Trio - 6/21/18!

The Benita Charles Trio - June 2018

A special thanks to all who attended our show for Make Music New York at the Clayton Williams Community Garden in Harlem! It was a lovely day in the garden of original music and some of our favorite classic songs.  The audience enjoyed the show and we enjoyed bringing the magic to the audience.  There were passerbys who stopped and stayed for the entire concert.  Moving cars slowed to hear the music and out of sheer curiosity of what was happenning.

There was a gentleman named, Roland from Switzerland.  He came to my concert because he missed the annual concert in his country. My concert provided comfort for him and he stayed for the entire concert! That was so awesome!!! I love the power of music.

A special thanks to my dear and talented friend, Marci Geller who came from Long Island! It was such a pleasure to see her at the show!

A special thanks to Preachermann of Preachermann and the Revival for blessing us with his presence!  He is truly a powerhouse vocalist and we were happy to see him! For those of you who don't know, I sing background vocals in his music project. My stage name is "Motown Mama!" It's a dynamic show!

A very special thanks to my band, The Benita Charles Trio! Peter Archer (guitar) and Cheo Rodriguez (percussion) rocked the music with my vocals. It's a pleasure working with such talented musicians!

Thanks to all my fans and well wishers for your continuous support of my art! I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart!!!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Make Music NY 2018 - Clayton Williams Community Garden, Harlem

The Benita Charles Trio at the Rivington Rehearsal Studios

Make Music New York 2018 with The Benita Charles Trio!

Make Music New York 2018 with The Benita Charles Trio!

In celebration of the first day of summer, NY-vocalist, Benita Charles will present a special concert for the 12th annual Make Music New York festival on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 5:00 pm at Clayton Williams Community Garden at 303 W. 126th Street (at Frederick Douglass Blvd.), in Harlem, New York City. (This is a free outdoor concert.)

At the show, Ms. Charles will present original music from her Moments In Love CD, her new single, Never Ever Give Up as well as songs from her favorite singers. The show will also feature musicians, Peter Archer on guitar and Cheo Rodriguez on percussions. For more information, visit: http://benitacharles.com

“I’m looking forward to bringing my music to the guests of the garden to spread joy!” – Benita Charles

About Make Music New York:

Make Music New York is a live, free musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21st, the longest day of the year. On that day, hundreds of public spaces throughout the five boroughs become impromptu stages for over 5,000 free concerts.

For more information about Make Music New York, visit: http://makemusicny.org

*** Join us for an evening of great music, entertainment and good times! ***

Performance Details:

Thursday, June 21, 2018 - 5:00 pm

Make Music New York 2018

The Benita Charles Trio

Clayton Williams Community Garden

303 W. 126th Street (at Frederick Douglass Blvd.),

New York, NY 10026

The Benita Charles Trio

Make Music New York 2017!

MAKE MUSIC NEW YORK 2017

Dear Friends:

Happy Summer!! It's finally here.  My absolute favorite time of the year. Warm sunny days, longer nights and fun outdoors!  I hope you are having a great summer!!

In celebration of the first day of summer, I will present 2 special concerts for the 11th annual Make Music New York festival on Wednesday, June 21, 2017!  The concert is only days away and the excitement is building! It's an entire day of free music all over the city,

At 1:30 pm, I will present a fun-filled set at McKinley's Children's Garden in Jamaica Queens.  It's been a couple of years since I've played there.  This year they asked me back and I'm happy to return!  It's always a great time with the children.

At 5:00 pm, I will be in Harlem for a soulful set at Sisters Cuisine on 124th Street. Looking forward to rocking the crowd on the street!

About Make Music New York:


Make Music New York is a live, free musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21, the longest day of the year. On that day, hundreds of public spaces throughout the five boroughs become impromptu stages for over 1,000 free concerts.

For more information about Make Music New York, visit: http://makemusicny.org

I look forward to seeing you at the concerts!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com


Performance Details:

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 - MAKE MUSIC NEW YORK 2017

McKinley's Children's Garden - 1:30 - 2:00 pm
108-56 Union Hall St, Jamaica, Queens
A large outdoor community garden in Jamaica, Queens.
(No cover)

NY-vocalist, Benita Charles presents a fun-fill set of original music, children's music and family- friendly fun.

Sister's Cuisine - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
47 East 124th Street

NY-vocalist, Benita Charles presents a soulful set of original music and covers for a crowd- pleasing set in the park! You won't want to miss the fun with Peter Archer on guitar and Chao on percussions.

For more information about Make Music New York, visit: http://makemusicny.org/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/benita-charles/id200276662

Hamilton Landmark Galleries Artist Jam Session - May 7th!

Harlems' Hamilton Landmark Galleries

Hamilton Landmark Galleries Artist Jam Session in Harlem! It was so great meeting talented artists creating beautiful music: This is what happens when you put a bunch of creatives together! Pure magic!!  (May 7, 2017)

BENITA CHARLES MUSIC

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/benita-charles/id200276662

PATR: A Special Birthday Celebration - Dec 3rd!

A Special Birthday Celebration: Join The Preachermann and The Revival Band for a special birthday concert for Ed "Preachermann" Holley at the legendary Shrine in Harlem on Saturday, December 3rd at 9 pm until midnight!  (no cover)

Ed "Preachermann" Holley will bring the fire with 2 great performances next Saturday, beginning at 9 pm with the African band, Holy Forest and with The Preachermann & The Revival Band at 10 pm!

Come join us for a night of sonic libations.
Let's us elevate you... Entertain you and feed your mind and spirit as we celebrate Preachermann's birthday on this special occasion.

Preachermann and the Revival will cleanse your soul!


About Preachermann:

What sets Preachermann apart from his peers is that his sultry brand of neo-soul is not only fresh, it is fearless; not merely sensuous, but conscious. And unlike so many modern soul artists whose work is weighed down with clichés, he has an uncanny knack for clever wordplay that bridges the serious side of life with the levity that makes it livable. The title track to his 2006 LP, Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk, is but one shining example of Preacher’s capacity to skillfully and seamlessly blend prophetic lore with ironic metaphor to make timeless music that crosses broad boundaries without selling itself out.

The Preachermann and The Revival Band is a ten member New York based band that blends rock, gospel and funk to create an original and engaging sound that Preachermann has dubbed ATOMIC SOUL.
 
About Holy Forest:

Holy Forest is the brainchild of musician and filmmaker Jon Fine. Wearing a number of hats on this record as producer, instrumentalist and songwriter, he enlisted friends and collaborators on this epic genre-blending project. The seeds of the recording sessions, spanning 3 years, were planted on a trip to the Makasutu Forest, a lush, green wilderness of mangrove swamps that line the River Gambia. While there, Fine connected with legendary griot Tata Din Din Jobarteh and the project was born.

With an intimate knowledge of music across genres and styles, Fine reached out to a number of critically acclaimed musicians including members of Antibalas, singer-songwriter Morley, Grammy nominated kora master, Youssoupha Sidibe and rising Gambian star ST. Digging even deeper, he brought in BK afro punks No Surrender, Bay area singer Sparlha Swa, and the criminally underrated Harlem soul man,  Ed “Preachermann” Holley to craft a collection of songs about love and distance. Recorded in The Gambia, NYC, Woodstock and San Francisco, Holy Forest is 21st century cross-continental roots music.

You have to see it to believe it! Shalimar!!

Come ready to dance, sing and celebrate Preachermann's birthday for a night to remember!

========================================================
Performance Details:

Saturday, December 3, 2016 - 9:00 pm - 12:00 am
Preachermann and The Revival
Shrine Bar and Restaurant
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (134th Street)
New York, NY 10030
(212) 690-7807
http://shrinenyc.com
No cover
https://www.facebook.com/events/203667840041429/

9 pm - Holy Forest (feat. Preachermann)

10 pm - The Preachermann & The Revival Band

Ed "Preachermann" Holley, lead vocals
Benita Charles, background vocals
Amnel Holguin, background vocals
Jonah Rosenberg, piano
Joe Paldino, guitar
Nick Paldino, bass
Karl Watson, saxophone, violin
Manny Montanez, percussion
Tom Pope, drums

 

A Special Thanks to all who supported the Shrine Show on October 29th!

A night to remember: A special thanks to all who attended Saturday night's show at the legendary Shrine in Harlem! It was such an awesome show and the amount of love we received during and after the show was heartwarming! It was so amazing to see the audience go from a lukewarm reception to chanting Shalimar and Preachermann's name by the end of the show. It was incredible!!

Thanks to the Preachermann & The Revival Band for always bringing the great music to the fans. It is so fulfilling to share the share with you and bring so much joy to people. PATR Band: Ed Holley, Amnel Holguin, Joe Paldino, Nick Paldiono, Karl Watson, Manny  Montanez and Tom Pope - you rock!

It was so wonderful to see our friends, Dave Dawson, Janet Rucker, Jay and our new friends: Jackson Shuri and Hilary Duffy and a host of others in attendance.

A special thanks to the Shrine for providing us with great sound for the evening. It was most appreciated!

It was an incredible night: the room was packed and spirits were high by the end of the night. It was truly a night to remember. Shalimar!

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #22

Benita Charles & Azania Noah at the Tsion Cafe in Harlem

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #22

Today, is a special show because I had a special guest, international recording artist/performer/singing teacher, Azania Noah.  Azania was kind enough to share her songwriting process and the inspiration behind her original music on her CD, Rising!

About Azania Noah:

Originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa, this award-winning, multi-cultural artist was born and raised in the U.S. & in Switzerland. Azania Noah’s captivating voice, powerful energy and lovely charisma make her a phenomenal performer and a joy to see on stage. She has performed over 800 concerts around Europe, the U.S., Africa and in Asia. She is just as comfortable in major music festivals, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, as she is singing for Presidents and politicians such as the U.K.’s Tony Blair. In Paris, she won first prize in the French T.V. competition “Graines de Star” which was the first French show similar to ‘American Idol’. She also recently featured on the famous TV show “The Voice” in France (TF1 TV) seen by over 8 million viewers internationally. As an avid songwriter as well, Azania’s lyrics are often enriched with uplifting and positive messages and her debut album, Rising, released in 2013, was inspired by the groovy old school soul and funk era, interlaced with jazz and pop. She is currently composing songs for a new album. For more information, visit: http://azanianonah.com.

This week's show was filed at the Tsion Cafe in Harlem.

A special thanks to Tsion Cafe in Harlem for allowing me to film this week's Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show! I appreciate the hospitality of the owner and staff!

The Tsion Cafe is a spiritual place to nourish the body & soul. Cuisine at the restaurant is Ethiopian, Mediterranean and American.

The Tsion Café is more than a restaurant; it's a cultural hub in Sugar Hill Harlem. They feature international musical artists as well as film screenings, book signings and a weekly poetry night.  Visual artists' exhibits are rotated every 8 weeks.

The Tsion Cafe is truly a gem in the Harlem community!

https://tsioncafe.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tsion-Cafe-Bakery/782185001805336

 Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #22

Songwriting: Choose your song topic

Here are things you can write about:

• Your experience
• A topic that moves or inspires you
• A response to another person's song
• Current events
• Something you see on television or the movies
• A lesson from others' experiences
• Whatever you'd like!

Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com
Blog: http://singingtipsbybcm.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcmsings/
Email: singingtips.bcm@gmail.com

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/benita-charles/id200276662

Live on Periscope:





Live on Facebook:

Preachermann and The Revival return to The Shrine on October 29th

On Saturday, October 29th, Preachermann and The Revival return to the legendary Shrine in Harlem for a soulful set of atomic soul!

Come join us for a night of sonic libations.

Let's us elevate you... Entertain you and feed your mind and spirit. The show will set your soul free.

Preachermann and the Revival will cleanse your soul! Get up in the water and get wet!!

What sets him apart from his peers is that his sultry brand of neo-soul is not only fresh, it is fearless; not merely sensuous, but conscious. And unlike so many modern soul artists whose work is weighed down with clichés, he has an uncanny knack for clever wordplay that bridges the serious side of life with the levity that makes it livable. The title track to his 2006 LP, Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk, is but one shining example of Preacher’s capacity to skillfully and seamlessly blend prophetic lore with ironic metaphor to make timeless music that crosses broad boundaries without selling itself out.

You won't want to miss this event.

Come ready to dance, sing and release!!

Performance Details:

Saturday, October 29, 2016 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Preachermann & The Revival
The Shrine Bar & Restaurant
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (134th Street)
New York, NY 10030
(no cover)
(212) 690-7807
 http://shrinenyc.com

The Preachermann and The Revival Band:

Ed Preachermann Holley, lead vocals

Benita Charles, background vocals

Amnel Holguin, background vocals

Jonah Rosenberg, piano

Joe Paldino, guitar

Nick Paldino, bass

Karl Watson, saxophone, violin

Manny Montanez, percussion

Tom Pope, drums

Preachermann and The Revival return to The Shrine on August 13th!

Bringing the heat: On Saturday, August 13th, Preachermann and The Revival return to the legendary Shrine in Harlem with his band, The Revival for a soulful set of atomic soul!


Come join us for a night of sonic libations.


Let's us elevate you... Entertain you and feed your mind and spirit. The show will set your soul free.


Preachermann and the Revival will BBQ your soul!


What sets him apart from his peers is that his sultry brand of neo-soul is not only fresh, it is fearless; not merely sensuous, but conscious. And unlike so many modern soul artists whose work is weighed down with clichés, he has an uncanny knack for clever wordplay that bridges the serious side of life with the levity that makes it livable. The title track to his 2006 LP, Negroes Stay Crunchy in Milk, is but one shining example of Preacher’s capacity to skillfully and seamlessly blend prophetic lore with ironic metaphor to make timeless music that crosses broad boundaries without selling itself out.


You won't want to miss this event.

Come ready to dance, sing and release!!

The Preachermann and The Revival Band:


Ed Preachermann Holley, lead vocals

Benita Charles, background vocals

Amnel Holguin, background vocals

Ari Kessler, piano

Joe Paldino, guitar

Nick Paldino, bass

Karl Watson, saxophone, violin

Manny Montanez, percussion

Tom Pope, drums

###



Performance Details:


Saturday, August 13, 2016 - 10:00 pm - 12:00 am
Preachermann and The Revival
The Shrine

Shrine Bar and Restaurant

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (134th Street)

New York, NY 10030

(212) 690-7807
http://shrinenyc.com
   

   


   


   



   

A special thanks to all who attended the Shrine show on July 2nd!

Before the Preachermann and The Revival Show: Preachermann - Benita - Amnel

A special thanks to all who attended and supported the Preachermann and The Revival Show at The Shrine on July 2nd!  It was truly a night to remember. It was the place to be last Saturday night! The audience was packed and so energetic - it was contagious!

It was so wonderful to see our friends who attended, Tom Watson and Shawn and other familiar faces. We even met new friends along the way, Ms. Darlene Dues of Orange is the New Black, Leslie Robinson of rechargethegame.com, Maki Yamamoto (textile designer), Burcu Ozturk and her friends!

Even though we didn't have the entire band with us, the music was as powerful as ever. It is a pleasure working with so many extraordinary musicians who love what they do. I was honored to share the stage with the charismatic, Ed "Preachermann" Holley, the lovely Amnel Holguin on backgrounds (the newest member), Joe Paldino (guitar),  Nick Paldino (bass), Manny Montanez, (percussion) and Tom Pope (drums). Together, we created beautiful music that enriched the audience.  We could feel the love from the stage.

The Shrine staff  was hospitable as always to us. A special thanks to our sound man for helping us sound the best. It's a pleasure playing there. It is our home!

Thanks to all our fans and the well wishers who sent your energy to us last night.  We appreciate all of you for your love and support.

Music is so incredible! It changes lives and makes the world a better place! I am so proud and honored to be a music maker. Thanks so much to everyone for taking this journey with us!

Much Love to you all,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

  The Ladies of Preachermann and The Revival: Benita and Amnel

Benita's in the zone during her song, "Out On a Limb"

We love our fans!

Ms. Darlene Dues of "Orange Is The New Black," her daughter, Benita and Amnel

Benita with Burcu Ozturk and friends.

. Leslie Robinson of rechargethegame.com and Benita

Ms. Maki Yamamoto (textile designer) and Benita

Benita, Shawn and Preachermann

Great feedback and picture from one of our fans, Barcu Ozturk!