BeSpeak Love Holiday

Presented by Black Portland & Soundstage Events

Friday, December 27, 2024

8:00 pm - 11:00 pm 

Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening of music, love, and holiday spirit as Portland’s finest artists reunite to honor their gospel roots and the enduring message of love. 

Tickets:

• General Admission – $20
• Reserve Seating – $25
• VIP Reserved Seating with Dinner – $45 (includes merch giveaway)

Dinner: Smoked Brisket / 7 Cheese Mac, Bourbon St.Chicken, Sautéed Green Beans 

Bespeak Love Holiday brings together the core of the original cast of the critically acclaimed 2015 BeSpeak Love project — a release that captivated audiences and climbed the UK charts.

Featuring an extraordinary lineup of Portland music royalty, this show features Ronnie Wright, Eldon T. Jones, Chris Turner, Saeeda Wright, DJ OG One, Ericka Warren, and Tracey Harris. Under the direction of Musical Director Steve McCoy, these gifted artists will take you on a journey through remixed holiday classics, heartfelt originals, and soul-stirring gospel harmonies.

Each performer brings their unique artistry and passion to the stage, promising an evening filled with uplifting music and joyous celebration. From smooth saxophone stylings to dynamic vocals and impeccable grooves, this is a holiday concert experience that will leave your heart full and your spirits bright.

Join us as we honor the spirit of the holidays with a night of music that celebrates community, connection, and the power of love. Bespeak Love Holiday is not just a concert — it’s a homecoming, a celebration of Portland’s rich musical heritage, and a testament to the enduring power of music that brings people together.

This is a must-experience event for anyone who cherishes the magic of music and the joy of the holiday season. Don’t miss this spectacular gathering of talent, love, and holiday cheer!

 

Supported by: Kettle One Vodka, KBOO Radio, Portland Skanner Newspaper, Keybank, Music Portland, Black United Fund, Riverpoint Medical & Elevate Unity, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Eldon T. Jones - Saxophonist 

Jones moves hearts through his profoundly genuine playing and infectious groove he honed in Portland before becoming a nationally recognized smooth jazz artist and electrifying festival performer.

As a child in a prominent musical family, melody was part of the air Jones breathed. “Listening to my uncles playing saxophone in church inspired me to pick up the sax, and as I got into music that resonated with me, Grover Washington, Jr., Wilton Felder (Crusaders), and Kirk Whalum influenced my own playing,” Jones says. 

He brought together young musicians from his neighborhood including his teenage brother Anthony Jones (later of Pink Martini) to form the group N Touch that Portland audiences soon grew to cherish. Their burgeoning local fanbase led to N Touch opening for Earth, Wind & Fire, and Tower of Power, receiving glowing praise from musicians in both groups.

Jones has established himself nationally performing at venues like Yoshi’s (Oakland), Jazz Alley (Seattle), Spaghettini (LA), Dazzle (Denver), and Jimmy Mak’s (Portland).

Ericka R. Warren - Vocalist 

Ericka R. Warren is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and producer whose exceptional artistry and contributions have made a lasting impact on the music industry. Over her career, as a background vocalist she has performed alongside an extraordinary lineup of artists across multiple genres, including Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Michael McDonald, Kirk Whalum, Karen Clark-Sheard, Marvin Sapp, Dawkins & Dawkins, Curtis Salgado, Jonathan Butler, Lalah Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Fred Hammond.

In 2015, Ericka released her debut single, “Best In Me,” featured on the BESPEAK LOVE project—a collaborative showcase of Portland-based independent artists. Her single, an uptempo groove inspired by the classic sounds of 1980s Michael Jackson, featured world-class musicians Derek “DC” Clark (Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams), Erick Walls (Trey Songz, Mary Mary), Gorden Campbell (George Duke, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo), and Eric “Pikfunk” Smith (Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson). 

The project topped the UK Soul Charts, introducing listeners to the immense talent hidden in the Pacific Northwest.

Behind the scenes, Ericka’s work as a producer and songwriter has been equally groundbreaking. She co-produced and co-wrote several songs on Fred Hammond’s Award-winning album Free To Worship, which earned the 2006 GRAMMY for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. Her collaboration with Hammond continued with the 2009 release Love Unstoppable, where she co-wrote and produced several tracks, including the #1 Billboard Gospel single “They That Wait,” featuring John P. Kee. The song spent an impressive 15 weeks at the top of the charts, cementing Ericka’s reputation as a leading creative force in gospel music. 

Saeeda Wright - Vocalist 

Saeeda Wright is an accomplished American singer, songwriter, and musician hailing from Portland, Oregon. With over two decades of experience in the music industry, Saeeda has worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including Prince, Stevie Wonder, Lalah Hathaway, and many others.

Saeeda's musical journey began at a young age when she started singing in her church choir. She later went on to attend Clark Atlanta University University, where she studied vocal performance. In 2006, Saeeda joined the legendary band “Black Bird”, where she honed her craft and developed her signature soulful sound.

Saeeda is currently working to release her debut album which showcases her unique blend of soul, gospel, Jazz, and R&B. Her powerful and emotive voice has earned her a loyal following of fans and garnered her accolades from critics and industry professionals alike.

In addition to her solo career, Saeeda has worked as a backup singer for numerous artists, including Prince, whom she toured with in 2015 when she recorded backgrounds on the single “Free Yourself”. She has also been featured on several recordings by other artists, including her work with Prince's protege Liv Warfield, on her smash sophomore CD "The Unexpected".

Tracey Harris - Vocalist 

Tracey Harris is a dynamic and soulful vocalist whose music continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Tracey discovered her love for singing in her high school choir, vocal jazz ensemble, and community choirs. Her talent quickly became evident, setting the stage for a remarkable career in music.

Tracey first made her mark with her debut album, Keep On Believin', released in 1997 on the Pamplin Music label. A heartfelt blend of soulful gospel, pop, and jazz, the album featured inspiring tracks like "Keep On Believin'" and "Rest in the Lord," with contributions from the Greater Portland Workshop Choir. The project highlighted her dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery, earning praise for its fusion of live and studio elements that captured her powerful gospel essence.

Her journey in music began long before her debut, with a recording career that started in 1986. Over the years, she has collaborated with industry greats, contributing to Grammy-nominated releases, including Najee’s projects and Motown Comes Home. Her standout performance on Pink Martini’s hit single “Hey Eugene” further demonstrated her versatility and broad appeal. 

Tracey also lends her vocal brilliance to the iconic group Nu Shooz, enhancing their performances with her signature style.

In 2008, Tracey released her much-anticipated sophomore album, Love 365, on Woodsway Records. This album solidified her as a seasoned artist with her own distinct groove. Showcasing her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability, Love 365 is a nostalgic gem, with her vocals front and center, unclouded by slick production. Each track resonates with heartfelt emotion, creating an unforgettable listening experience 

Ronnie Wright

Ronnie Wright is a dreamer, blessed with parents who allowed him to explore and express creativity through art and music. In fact, music was more like family. His love for God and family sparks his desire to be a blessing to others. This greatly influences his creative language, purpose & spiritual connection. 

The year 2015 marked a huge win for Ronnie. His collaborative vision, entitled BESPEAK LOVE reached #1 on the UK SOUL CHARTS - in November 2015. The album also received Artist of the Year (editor’s choice) from the highly recognized SOULTRACKS.com 

His 2018 debut solo album, a.k.a. BESPEAK, was voted 2018’s ALBUM OF THE YEAR by Groundbreakers.com. This album was blessed to receive several awards from the indie radio community, such as #1 Album of 2018 - Mi-Soul

Connoisseurs, #1 on the UK SOULCHARTS - March 2018, #8 on the UK SOULCHART Top 100 for 2018, and many more! Ronnies second collaborative (BESPEAK EMPOWER – 2021) features some of the Northwest's most talented singers/songwriters and musicians. The mission was the same… collaboration… but this time he featured an eclectic mix of soul, funk, RnB, & Gospel… This is a true reflection of the dream.