The Creatives

Tami Tyree

Tami Tyree is a graduate of Howard University’s Theater and Communications departments. A NYC-based vocalist specializing in performing and interpreting [Negro]spirituals, blues, gospel, and jazz, Ms. Tyree’s vocals are part of the soundtrack of the screenplay ’12 Years A Slave’ (winner Best Picture, Academy Award, 2014). A cultural historian of black history, Ms. Tyree is featured in the 2019 documentary ‘We Are The Endless Roar’ which chronicles a 21-day pilgrimage to Nigeria. She is the founder of ECHOES OF OUR ANCESTORS AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND SONG, a performing arts initiative which links black musical evolution to the African-American sojourn. She’s the brainchild of an annual arts festival in honor of Frederick Douglass: “The Frederick Douglass Continuum.” In addition to her work as a musical artist, Tami Tyree is an illustrator, essayist, public speaker and community activist in Harlem.

aka the “Echo of Our Ancestors”

African-American History & Song

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  • Singer
  • Composer
  • Playwright
  • Lyricist

Rudi Mwongozi

Rudi Mwongozi is a pianist/composer-arranger. Mwongozi is the leader of his own ensemble, SOUNDS OF NEW WORLD AFRICA. A highly-sought-after musician on the New York jazz scene, he is a recording artist who has worked alongside revered jazz musicians here and abroad. Equally proficient in gospel, Latin, reggae, and rhythm & blues, Mr. Mwongzi is musical director of Ms. Tyree’s ‘Echoes of Our Ancestors’ since 2010, and was responsible for musical transcription, rehearsal and accompaniment of the initial iteration: ‘A Seat at the Table: Dinner With Frederick Douglass’ (One Night in New York) in 2019

  • Pianist
  • Jazz
  • Gospel
  • Rhythm & Blues

Kevin Davis

Jazz Saxophonist Kevin Davis is a musical director/arranger/producer. Mr. Davis is also a playwright and leader of a Latin Jazz ensemble performing in the New York Tri-State area and beyond. As composer/lyricist, Kevin Davis is responsible for several librettos and performances, and his work graces productions here and abroad. Kevin stated: “I am honored to be associated with this production.”

  • Saxophonist
  • Arranger
  • Playwright
  • Producer

Charles Carrington

Mr. Carrington’s piano expertise expands many decades, and he is a highly sought-after church choral director, session player, jazz leader in the New York City and tri-state area. He has been working with Tami Tyree on numerous projects to also include a Motown revue and her annual community festival in honor of Frederick Douglass. The accomplished jazz, blues, and gospel keyboardist has taken up the helm of rehearsing, transcribing and accompanying the cast of “Frederick Douglass One Night in New York” making his debut in this capacity in 2022.

  • Pianist
  • Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues
  • Choral Director
  • Recording Artist