Sarahill's Weblog

The sweetest spirit : RIP Michael Jackson

sarahill — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:48:12 +0000

You made us dance to the perfect beat Michael. Now you dance with the angels. You are my hero, a beautiful gift to this world. I miss you, Rest in peace, you deserve to.

sarahill — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:51:25 +0000

I love presenting and attending live music events. I hope that you will be able to sense that as you look at the performers/indie artists I have worked with over the past 10 years. Since the creation of Sista Factory (Soulful Inspirational Sounds To Admire) in 1999 ,I have been very lucky to have come together with people who have been able to appreciate Sista Factory and the work we have done as Art Presenters and advocates of independent music. Too many to name.

Now that I have relocated to the Capital Region, I am very blessed to have the opportunity to create and showcase talent in this area. The performing arts venue Proctors in Schenectady, NY has given me that opportunity whether its for ART NIGHT at Proctors, Dangerous Music Series or being instrumental in ideas for programming on the mainstage. The passion and appreciation from the audience still feels the same and although I miss my NYC network and vibe, I am happy to embark on projects that keep me stimulated and creative.

On Sunday, July 5 in partnership with Artistic Director, Mona Golub, my music baby Sista Factory kicks off here in Schenectady, NY. My friend, Singer & Recording artist, Sandra St. Victor will grace the Music Haven concert series and set off a path of wonderful music projects that will bring remarkable showcases and bring together “Ambassadors of the Arts” in upstate NY.

As Sista Factory has been recognized as a leading music promotion company in NYC for independent music, my goal is to continue that mission with dedicated arts presenters/artists in the Capital Region.

So many NYC based artists are very well known in the Capital Region and folks up here are starving for some REAL MUSIC. I know live music showcase projects up this way will be a great opportunity for me to create. People enable beautiful things to be created, I know because I continue to work and network with those spirits. Since 1999 so many folks supported a concept that came from a spirit who simply loves presenting real singers and live music.

To those presenters and music “taste makers” doing their thing showcasing the NYC music scene, please keep up the great work. I am just thrilled to pieces of what you are doing, people keep the music alive and brings so much joy and promise for future singer/songwriters.

RIP Odetta and Miriam Makeba

sarahill — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:08:40 +0000

2008 marks a great time in world history as we celebrate the transition of leadership of our country to the first African American to ever hold the title President of the United States. So many human rights activists and folks we know and loved did not live to see this change. I for one have cried many tears for my Mother and Father, Lillian and Elisha Cook who passed way too soon, however I know they are smiling and rejoicing with me in spirit.

We mourn the lost of two amazing spirits of song who passed recently. These artists sung freedom songs and were the voices of the civil rights movement here in the United States and South Africa. Great champions of civil rights who made their transition after the election of President-Elect Barack Obama.

RIP Odetta Holmes (December 31, 1930-December 2, 2008) and Miriam Makeba (March 4 1932-November 10, 2008)

I am deeply moved that both these women lived to see this change in our country. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to see both perform in concert. Their music and history I will share with my daughter, Samina. I know their musical repertoire will continue to uplift the spirits of generations to come.

Welcome To My Blog

sarahill — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:10:30 +0000

The mission is about the LOVE of Music & supporting friends in this Factory.

First and foremost, may I share how happy I am for the results of the presidential campaign which have shown us all how we can move forward to greater moments for our society. This was a call for much-needed CHANGE and the masses have spoken. We still have alot of work to do to make this world a better place for EVERYONE.

Sista Factory was proud to take part in the celebration honoring the 10th year anniversary of joe’s pub in NYC. This was a fun event for me. I love Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater which continues to be recognized as a remarkable and intimate space for live music. I loved having the chance to be back in the venue. Shout out to my peers, colleagues and friends who continue to support the NYC independent music scene,

Anita Bryant, Toni Cheeseman, Brown Bag Productions, Tom Paul and Director of Joe’s Pub, Shanta Thake. Also big hug to Bill Bragin, former Director of Joe’s pub for being my guide to a great roster of music world-wide. Looking forward to the next 10 and more.

I am especially proud of the line-up this season at Proctors in upstate NY which features legendary artists and introduces amazing voices to the venue. The Dangerous Music Series will kick off Friday, Nov 21 at 7pm exploring experimental genres of music through cutting edge live performances, artist workshops, and music education for all ages. Cellist, composer and facilitator of inspirational workshops, The Ha!man kicks off the series bringing an energy of direct creativity, playful in its crossing of boundaries between mediums of expression.

Legendary performing artist Nona Hendryx graces our stage at the GE Theater for Dangerous Music on Friday, April 3, 2009 with her latest project AUDIO TUTU presented in funky Nona Hendryx style.

Dangerous Music is funded by New York State Music Fund, for more information visit dangerousmusic.org.

If you make your way upstate NY check out the media and performing arts center EMPAC at Rensselaer, I attended the grand opening celebration of this new building. EMPAC is an outstanding mecca for audiences who love multimedia, dance, science and art. Other highlights for me were: dumb type: Voyage
The Wooster Group’s audience member controlled film and the 3D dance projection. This is a must see performing arts space!

Continue to work together to assess and analyze the indie music scene, your support in promoting the performing arts is so important. Music heals and there is so much work to be done to create platforms for so many talented performing artists to present their music.

Love and Light,

Sara Hill / Sista Factory