Marvin Gaye Tribute, Jane Siberry, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tierney Sutton, Judith Owen Featured in Star Tribune

Last year marked the 65th anniversary of the formation of this terrific South African vocal ensemble. Even though LBM founder Joseph Shabalala died in 2020, the a cappella choir carries on with four of his sons, among others. Best known for contributing to Paul Simon’s 1986 landmark “Graceland,” the five-time Grammy winners added to their repertoire in 2023 with the gospel album “Soothe My Soul: Songs from Our South African Church.” In concert, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a breathtaking combination of musicality and physicality, humor and humanity, joy and grace.

The Milwaukee-reared jazz vocalist is such a master of technique and performance that she taught for years in the jazz vocal programs at the renowned music schools at University of Southern California and Indiana University. She is such a gifted vocalist, a storyteller with admirable range, that nine of her albums earned Grammy nominations. During the pandemic, Sutton teamed with pianist Tamir Hendelman, an occasional collaborator for two decades, to live stream some themed duo shows from Los Angeles. Now the duo has taken to the road.