Music Showcase at Elsa’s House of Sleep
Catch Jamela Pettiford, Theo Brown and Brotha Asè at Elsa’s House of Sleep on Saturday from 2-4!
2-3pm Jamela Pettiford and Theo Brown
3-4pm Brotha Asè
Saturday, Oct 3, 2 - 4pm
Elsa’s House of Sleep | 1441 University Ave
Brotha Asè
Joshua Gillespie (Brotha Asè) is a third generation Griot/ Storyteller. As the Grandson of Vusumuzi and Nothando Zulu he was enamored, intrigued, & inspired by the rich African Folktale stories, history, and lessons that came though the art form that his family elders perform and love.
Brotha Asè has written several stories of his own including “Master of The Skies” , “Ra Amun and The Djembe Drum” , and “The Planter Women’s Seed” which honors ancestor Aunt Beverly Cottman.
Brotha Asè believes our stories are like seeds from the divine tree of life, helping to guide us and grow us into divine trees of our own.
Learn more about Brotha Asè here.
Jamela Pettiford
Jamela Pettiford began to sing at the tender age of 4 years old. Raised in the infamous Rondo community Saint Paul, Minnesota. Born into a historic musical lineage including Oscar Pettiford- jazz Icon. Pettiford’s style of music influenced by gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson, the Winans, and the Clark Sisters- traditional Black church infused with deep rooted soul.
Jamela Pettiford learned at a young age from some of Minnesota’s best musicians and singers while attending youth community-based choirs to being casted in the first Mall of America commercial in 1992. Throughout the years Pettiford has been featured in many bands and music groups joining the Big John Dickerson blues band in 2004, inducted into the “Minnesota Blues Society” Hall of Fame in April 2007.
In partnership with community-based performing arts organizations, and has shared her gifts on the stage in many play productions with various social justice impactors; Amiri Baraka in “Wise, Why’s, Y’s”, Dorothy Cotton & Bernice King -Youth Summit Atlanta, GA, Naomi Tutu -Youth Empowerment Summit, also in collaboration Dismembered and Unarmed is a collaborative album executive produced by Chaka Mkali and Resmaa Menakem. The album was created in conjunction with Menakem’s book My Grandmother’s Hands. Throughout the 25 plus years Pettiford has combined deep rooted soul all while enhancing, edifying, and encouraging the community.
Performing in song or as a psalmist, reciting poetry or ministering a word as a facilitator Jamela Pettiford is known for enriching the space with her mere presence and grace, add the gift of interpretive song only enhances the experience. Jamela Pettiford has produced music that can be found on all platforms with various artists including solo projects written by
Jamela Pettiford also known as GOD’s Queen.
Learn more about Jamela Pettiford here.
Theo Brown
Theo Brown is a poet, singer/songwriter, composer, pianist and percussionist based in the Twin Cities. His sound is an organic blend of neo-soul, Latin jazz, hip hop, salsa, and rock.
Learn more about Theo Brown here.
Elsa’s House of Sleep
Elsa's House of Sleep was founded by Elsa Rezene in the Midway in 1997, and this family-owned and operated business has been a vital part of our community's commercial landscape since then. Following Elsa's passing in 2004, her son, Tetra Constantino, has been at the helm. In this video, Tetra tells about his mother's legacy, their family's business philosophy, and their place in the Midway neighborhood.
Elsa's House of Sleep focuses on quality and fashionable furnishings, mattresses, rugs, and decor at a value.
In addition to this event, stop by Elsa’s House of Sleep over the weekend of the MMAF to view art by local artists and for the literary reading Making Home from 4-5:30 on Sunday October 4.
Learn more about Elsa's House of Sleep at elsasfurniture.com