The 3rd Annual TRIBUTE TO TEENA MARIE “A Funkadelic Holiday Show”, Featuring CARMEN JONES and DejaVu Band | Dec. 14th, 2013

On December 14, 2013, at Rhythmix Cultural Works Theater in Alameda, California, international singer-songwriter, Carmen Jones (pictured), known world-wide for her soulful impromptu YouTube duet with Jamie Foxx, will be presenting the third annual fundraiser and musical tribute to the late legendary soul singer, Teena Marie. A portion of proceeds for tickets purchased online at: www.carmenjones.brownpapertickets.com is being donated to the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California in honor of Marie who died in December 2010 after an epileptic seizure.

The inspiration behind the Tribute show is a story worth hearing: In 1985, after Teena Marie performed in Oakland, her best friend Mickey heard Carmen Jones singing with friends outside of a Denny’s restaurant and asked her to come aboard Teena’s parked tour bus to sing for Teena. After Teena Marie heard Jones sing, she exclaimed, “this girl can sing”, and immediately asked Jones to schedule a recording session in order to create and mail to her what would be Jones’ first demo recording. While the two soulful singers never reconnected due to studio delays and other record label obstacles, Jones credits Marie for inspiring her with the confidence to make music a professional career.

Jones shares, “While our tribute show doesn’t give us Teena Marie fans back our Teena, it still provides an outlet for those of us who love her music so much that we never want to stop hearing it performed and appreciated. I am honored and thankful for the support the tribute has received from many of Teena Marie’s family members and most devoted fans […] we agree that this tribute and continuing to share her incredible music is deeply important to all of us.”

In addition to performances of Teena Marie hit songs, such as “Lovergirl,” “Portuguese Love” and the steamy “Fire and Desire” duet, the upcoming Teena Marie Tribute on December 14th, 2013 in Alameda, California, featuring Carmen Jones and the DejaVu band, along with special guests, author and poetess, Joy Elan and Los Angeles-based singer, Brian Leads will include soulful performances of holiday favorites that are sure to bring holiday cheer.