Jump In The Line! A Musical Celebration of Harry Belafonte

With René Marie and Experiment in Truth

Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 8pm

Media Sponsor:
KJAZZ

This performance is presented without an intermission.

René Marie: Vocals

Etienne Charles: Arranger, Trumpet, Percussion

Andrae Murchison: Trombone

Dan Wilson: Guitar

Xavier Davis: Piano

Rodney Jordan: Bass

Quentin E. Baxter: Drums, Percussion

With JUMP IN THE LINE!, René teams up with trumpeter, percussionist, composer, and arranger Etienne Charles to curate an amazing musical celebration of songs either written or made popular by Harry Belafonte. A native of Trinidad, Charles has brilliantly incorporated culture, swagger, and an irrepressible sense of humor into these 11 arrangements.

Songs Include

Coconut Woman

Come Back Liza

Danny Boy

Day Dah Light (Day-O)

Jamaica Farewell

Jump In The Line

Mama Look A Boo Boo

Man Piaba

Man Smart, Woman Smarter

Matilda

Scratch Scratch

Maybe it was the audible, irrepressible joy, the mischief, or the heartfelt delivery in every song he sang; qualities that obliterated any pain or doubt, drew me out of my shyness long enough to memorize "Man Piaba / Woman Piaba," or "Coconut Woman." By listening carefully, I could see in my mind’s eye the full detail of whichever character he happened to be singing about.

Was it the percussion alone? Or the playful vocabulary of calypso as a whole? Was it simply the FUN in singing along with “Matilda,” “Scratch Me Back” or “Jump In the Line”? Whatever the ingredients, I have memorized the lyrics, savored the music and danced to it my entire life.

Why am I having such a difficult time expressing what Belafonte’s music means to me? Perhaps because it touches something so fundamental and personal that words simply dissipate. Here is what I am trying to say about Belafonte: long before I became aware of his dedication to the civil rights movement, he provided a healing for my spirit that I didn’t know I needed. That laid the foundation for all his admirable works I was to learn about – and not merely learn about but attempt to imitate as an adult.

Excavating aspects of the depth, breadth, and width of an artist’s work in 90 minutes or less is an impossible endeavor. But we are going to have a LOT of fun trying…

René Marie is a rare artist. A modern vocal icon, her unique artistry has been recognized with multiple domestic and international awards, including two Grammy Award nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album. A lyricist, composer, arranger, playwright, actress, educator, speaker, and social justice activist, René is an Americana roots artist with jazz improvisational chops. Influenced by her Southern upbringing, she incorporates folk, R&B, country, and classical elements into her music and approach, creating a distinctive sound and style that have captivated audiences worldwide. Over two decades, 11 recordings, and countless festival and concert performances, René continues to inspire people with her artistry, life story, and ability to affirm the power of the human spirit. She describes her current concept of original compositions as Pain + Wisdom = Beauty™:

An emotional equation colored and shaped by solitude and shared experience.

We run from Pain. But running is futile. Three projects: Pain, Wisdom, Beauty.

Exploring the essence of our humanity with

Pain and Wisdom as co-teachers, two sides of the emotional coin.

Beauty shines a light on the path that brought us here.

Pain. Wisdom. Beauty.

Three integers in a musical journey reflecting the sum of our experience.

René has a deeply personal understanding of music’s capacity to change lives. Together with her touring and recording group, Experiment in Truth, she fearlessly explores the nooks and crannies of the human psyche and experience. Her set list includes songs about inner strength, family ties, self-determination, and positivity, as well as those addressing homelessness, domestic abuse, depression, and addiction.

Affectionately known as the "King of Calypso," Harry Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York, to Caribbean parents. His mother was determined that he get an education, but at 17 he decided to drop out of high school and joined the Navy. When he returned home, he worked as a janitor’s assistant. While on the job, he was given theater tickets as a tip—his first introduction to theater—and that night he discovered his true calling.

His breakthrough album Calypso (1957) introduced American audiences to Calypso music and became the first album in history to sell over one million copies within a year of its release. Belafonte was also the first Black American man to receive an Emmy Award, for his first solo TV special Tonight with Belafonte.

While primarily known for Calypso, Belafonte recorded in many different genres, including blues and jazz. He went on to produce the Grammy-winning single “We Are the World,” which raised awareness and funds for famine relief and sold more than 20 million copies.

Belafonte dedicated his life to addressing the critical issues of racism, poverty, and oppression—not only within the African American community but around the world.

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University of California, Irvine

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