Who is Antoinette Montague?
Antoinette is a New York jazz and blues entertainer. “I’m an artist who loves witnessing and trying to go ‘beyond category,’ a person still learning to enjoy the trip and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to sing.
What are you working on at the moment?
“World Peace in the Key of Jazz.” Its’ a movement I’m asking people to join. My goal is to bring together a collective consciousness about the matter of World Peace. The date and time is April 30., 12-2pm, (place to be announced) when I hope we can discuss the topic and the call to service. All ideas and participation welcome. (I am particularly thankful for projects like AWoW and jazz organizations such as the Jazz Vesper Church Hosts. )
Do you have any upcoming events?
Yes, and I’m thankful for all the support my friends can bring my way:
On Sat April 13, 2013 at 8pm Flushing Town Hall, Here’s to the Ladies who Bling and Swing. Tickets are $15 but there is a big discount if you use the code ‘am20.’ The number for the venue is 1 718 463-700 Please spread the word.
I’ll also be appearing in the Artists Without Walls’ Showcase at Lehman College on April 25, 7PM.
And April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Many of the world’s greatest jazz musicians are at rest in The Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, including Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, Coleman Hawkins and Joseph “King” Oliver, On Sunday April 22nd I will be one of a group of musicians and composers honoring Ellington, entertainer Florence Mills and more. My heart’s aflutter. More info forthcoming.
Name 5 things on your bucket list:
How about six!
- Sing the blues at Carnegie Hall.
- Sing in a club in Paris.
- Do a recording with strings
- Hang out in a place called Eleuthera
- Act
- Do a huge festival
What is your favorite place in the world to visit and why?
Eleuthera. “Its like going to Paradise without having to die.” AM
Who is your greatest inspiration?
I have two greats: Etta Jones and Carrie Smith. I’m grateful to them still, thankful God sends guides.
What picture or image do you love to stare at?
The first image I see every morning and at night is my sister Elaine Montague’s high school graduation picture. She raised me along with my parents. She was wonderfully tough and she made all of us better as people and as a family. She was the first African-American Registered Nurse to become a head nurse in the state of New Jersey. I remember when I was a young girl how proud I was reading about her accomplishment in the newspaper, over and over.
The second image I stare at is a picture of Florence Mills. Flo Ziegfield wanted to hire her, but Florence stayed loyal to the cast of Blackbirds and the music of Eubie Blake, including “I’m Just Wild About Harry.” I inherited the picture from Carrie Smith of Broadway’s Black and Blue. So much more to say, but that’s for another time.
If you could dream about trying out something you haven’t tried out in the arts yet, what would that be?
Without a moment’s doubt…acting in a movie. Real Estate. Painting on canvas.
And I want to add a special thanks to my friend Karen Daly for introducing me to Artists Without Walls.
Antoinette Montague Facebook Page
Web page antoinettemontague.com
www.artistswithoutwalls.com
