Texas Touring Roster Artist
2020-2024

Jolie Rocke is a Texas Commission on the Arts Texas Touring Roster Artist. Support may be available to assist with booking fees through the Arts Respond Performance Support grant program. This quarterly program provides support to Texas schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations for hiring an artist from the TCA Touring Roster to give a performance, residency, or workshop. These applications are funded based on a sliding scale.

https://www.arts.texas.gov/grants/grant-calendar-2/

Contact TCA at 512/463-5535 for more information.

LEARN MORE

Singing HERstory

This production pays homage to the life, achievements and acclaim of 14 pioneering vocalist in opera, classical music, ballads, spirituals, jazz, R&B, gospel, and pop music. These inspiring women who contributed significantly to their times and culture are featured in the banner exhibit, “Sing the Truth: Voices from The Amistad Center for Art & Culture.” Through biographical sketches, this production celebrates the African American female performance tradition and its impact on the fight for freedom and equality. Spanning more than 100 years, these women defined career paths that fed them artistically, financially, and politically as they enriched this nation and the world. This presentation is appropriate for all age groups at any time of year, including Black History Month & Women’s History Month. Available as virtual streamed film, live staged production, or lecture-demo presentation.

Remembering Juneteenth

Remembering Juneteenth provides an historical account of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans through the narratives of former slaves from Texas and negro spirituals. Performed by Dr. Jolie Rocke and Manning Mpinduzi-Mott, this 25-minute educational work is available as a live performance or film. The language is from the early 1900’s. Be prepared to experience the antebellum language through first-person accounts of the emancipated in their journey toward freedom.

ROCK OF AGES:
Hymns for the Soul

Jolie teamed up with Producer and nationally acclaimed Pianist, Joel Martin of Jazzical® to present a new and original sound for sacred hymns, maintaining their recognizable traditional melodies while infusing elements of jazz, gospel and classical music genres.

Performance Options: Two vocalists with Piano or Rhythm Section (piano, bass, and drums). Available in 45-, 60- and 90-minute formats. Guest artists and/or choirs are optional add ons. 60-minute Lecture/Demonstration. Appropriate for all ages at churches, libraries, theaters, and restaurants (gospel brunch).

Songs of the African American Soul

Jolie Rocke presents songs composed by African-American artists. This multi-genre program introduces audiences to little known facts about African American musicians whose work is often overlooked, undervalued, or hidden from main stage audiences. This rich cultural heritage enriched through many struggles and triumphs highlights the importance of keeping this body of work alive and strong. Enjoy an array of musical theatre, opera, classical art song, spirituals, jazz, and gospel song. This presentation is appropriate for all age groups at any time of year

Sing, Langston!

The works of American literary artist, Langston Hughes, are loved throughout the world. There are more than 800 song settings of his poetry. This presentation will bring you into Langston’s world of poetry and his love of music through art songs by American composers Margaret Bonds, Ricky Ian Gordon, Hale Smith and others. Volunteers may be chosen in advance by the hiring agent to recite poetry during the presentation. This presentation is appropriate for all age groups at any time of year, including Black History Month.

The Science of Singing

Have you ever wondered how your body produces vocal sounds? This presentation helps you to discover how the body uses air to support vocal production. You will also learn about techniques and exercises singers use to develop their voice. This program focuses on vocal anatomy for singers and is appropriate for ages 5 through adult.

CONTRALTO MARIAN ANDERSON:
Goodwill Ambassador

Marian Anderson’s iconic career inspired many artists, especially African-American classical singers who were afforded opportunities because of her socio-political impact on race relations and gender. This inspirational presentation explores how identity impacts performance and social interaction within the communities we serve. Appropriate for adults, higher education, and voice professionals.

Lasting Impressions

With soaring high notes and smoky low tones, Jolie has been singing since the age of 3. This concert features the diverse music that has inspired her on the journey of life. Her versatility and singular interpretations of jazz, musical theater, gospel, and classical music reach your soul, leaving lasting impressions. Appropriate for all ages at schools, libraries, churches and stage venues.

Triumphant Over Triple Negative

Written by Dr. Jolie Rocke, this fully staged theatrical production shares the story of a woman facing a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis. She leans on stories of triumph for encouragement along the journey from diagnosis to wellness. This auto-biographical work featuring 4 actors and a pianist demonstrates the healing power of music, faith, and the importance of a supportive community. Appropriate for an adult audience especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.