Welcome Maple Ridge to
this Concert Celebrating
Black/African Descent Music
EBONY ROOTS is a powerful concert celebration of music from the African Descent/Black experience—tracing a 300-year journey from work songs and spirituals to the rise of Soul, R&B, Blues, and Motown. It highlights the evolving emancipation and cultural impact of African Descent communities from a North American perspective.
Produced by Brandon Thornhill, with mentorship and admin support from Sound the Alarm: Music/Theatre, the concert features a dynamic lineup of BC-based African Descent artists: Brandon Thornhill and Leo D.E Johnson (vocalists), Olaf de Shield (MD/guitarist), Russell Jackson (bass), Carlos Joe Costa (percussion), and pianist Benjamin Sigerson.
Following its sold-out premiere at Vancouver’s Yaletown Roundhouse in February 2024, EBONY ROOTS is touring eight BC communities during Black History Month 2026.
Audience Testimonials
If you would like to send us your thoughts, please do so via our contact us page
I just wanted to say thank you for such a powerful and beautifully produced Black History concert. The singers and musicians were incredibly talented, and the energy and connection between them was wonderful to watch. The thoughtful selection of songs and genres was both moving and impactful, and the historical context shared before each piece encouraged the audience to truly reflect on the lyrics and connect with the emotion and significance of the music. It was a truly memorable evening"
"Exceptional - 10 out of 10!"
Coming to the following cites and venues during Black History Month (February) 2026:
Thank you to our presenting organizations and community partners for enabling this tour.
20
February
7:30pm
in partnership with
Yaletown Roundhouse
Vancouver
We would like to thank the following for their support.
BC Arts
Council
Project Tour Grant
The Hamber Foundation
Project Granter
Yaletown Roundhouse Community Centre
Community Partner
BC Black History Awareness Society
Community Partner
Follow Us
@soundthealarmmt