Herald Neighbors

A story to find peace through music

Posted Friday, February 16, 2018 2:37 pm

World-renowned musician Toby Tobias sang songs of happiness, love, peace and political perspectives to tell shed light into this coming to America story during an intimate performance at the Freeport Memorial Library on Feb. 4.

Sue Greco/Herald

Throughout his performance, Toby Tobias shared photographs of different signs and events he saw and experienced while growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sue Greco/Herald

During his performance, Toby Tobias talked about Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leaderand philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

Sue Greco/Herald

Toby Tobias Albums

- African Son

Released 1982

The solo release from Toby Tobias, recorded in

Jerusalem by London-based sound engineer and electronic

musician, Gilead Limor.

-Africa You Belong To Me

Released 2014

The debut album from The Toby Tobias Ensemble features performances by Bakithi Kumalo, Mario Staiano, Mike Nugent, and more.

-Reach Out

Released 2017

“Reach Out” is the latest EP from The Toby Tobias Ensemble with Mike Nugent, Cosmo Mallardi, Jon Mele and Richie Guerrero.

–Source http://www.tobytoby.com

Black History Month events at the Freeport Memorial Library

-From Jazz to Soul: presented by Rhonda Denèt and the Silver Fox Songs Trio. 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport. This group will perform jazz standards and soul classics that span five decades, paying tribute to Billie Holiday, Ni na Simone, Nancy Wilson, Etta James, Mary Wells, and Gladys Knight. For more information call, 516-379-3274.

-Cotton: The Dream and Hope of the Slave in Spirituals and Slave Narratives: Presented by librarian Tanisha Mitchell. 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport. Remember and honor the journey and light of the African-American slave. This Black History Month celebration will highlight historical slave narratives, gospel, soul music, and famous spirituals like “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” in a touching audiovisual tribute. Visuals include historic photos by renowned photographer Gordon Parks. For more information call, 516-379-3274.

-Opera in Ebony: Presented by librarian Tanisha Mitchell2:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Freeport Memorial Library, 144 W. Merrick Rd., Freeport. This lecture will pay tribute to legendary African-American singers who performed at prestigious venues like the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, and the Royal Opera House. Video clips featuring Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Paul Robeson, and George Shirley will be included. For more information call 516-379-3274.

–Source Freeport Memorial Library

Part III in Black History Month series

It was a poignant musical exploration with world-renowned musician Toby Tobias at the Freeport Memorial Library on Feb. 4. Tobias is a singer-songwriter originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. During the performance, Tobias sang songs dedicated to his roots that also shed light into his journey across three continents before eventually settling in New York. Throughout the performances he detailed his life in South America under the rule of an apartheid government and his experiences in Israel, at a time the nation was searching for its own identity.
The event was a part of the library’s Black History Month celebration, which highlighted music inspired by Tobias’ South African musical roots infused with rhythms and melodies. Throughout the evening, Tobias played covers and original songs on his acoustic guitar. The show’s message is one of racial equality and understanding other cultures and religions, according to Tobias, that through his music, he has immersed himself in many genres of American Music that he uses to tell his life’s story through song.

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