From 1968 until his death in 2011, Gil Scott-Heron's novels, poetry and music exposed racial injustices in a way that felt both universal and deeply personal.
Scott-Heron's first album, 1970's Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, was recorded as a radio promotion for his first novel, a murder mystery called "The Vulture." He was encouraged to make the recording by Bob Thiele, who had produced jazz stars from Louis Armstrong to John Coltrane.
Scott-Heron released Winter in America in 1974.
"Winter in America — An Homage to Gil Scott-Heron" happens at 8 p.m. March 11-12 at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle, with a livestream option available on March 12 only.
The evening's host is MC Moe Better. Music and poetry provided by vocalists Ben Hunter and Ayesha Brooks, rapper/choreographer Shakiah Danielson, keyboardist Darrius Wilrich, drummer Brian Kirk, trumpeter Chris Littlefield, guitarist Daniel Rapport, percussionist Ricardo Guity and flutist/trombonist Freddy Gonzales. Camilo Estrada is the bassist and musical director.
