On March 15th, Philip Hamilton and his ensemble of 16 musicians pay tribute to the world's universal instrument, the human voice. Painted Bride is proud to present the debut of Hamilton's Voices, a genre-blending theatrical performance in which doo-wop and barbershop meet their Asian, African, and European counterparts, including everything from yodeling to Gregorian chant. A globally diverse, large-ensemble, including the legendary beat boxer Kenny Muhammad ("The Human Orchestra") joins Hamilton on stage. Each performer stands testament to the uniqueness and specificity of world vocal traditions, while the ensemble as a whole comes together through masterful orchestration and a spiritual kinship across disparate modes of expression. Philip Hamilton's Voices comes to the Bride on Saturday, March 15th at 7pm and 9pm. Tickets are $30. Bride members receive a 50% discount on tickets; Students and seniors with ID receive a 25% discount on single tickets. For tickets and information, call the Bride box office at 215.925.9914 or visit www.paintedbride.org. The Bride is located at 230 Vine Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

Voices constitutes a global history of singing, not in notes and commentary, but through vibrant and vital new compositions featuring the leading vocalists of today. The performance is part of the Bride's XL Series, which showcases extra-large ensembles. Hamilton says, "I want to do for the voice what Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk did for tap dancing or what Def Poetry Jam did for poetry." He deftly transports audiences across centuries and continents, shifting from ancient Middle-Eastern melodies to the Tuvan throat singing of Central Asia and into the vocal origins of early hip hop. Along the way, we hear the distant call of yodelers in the Swiss Alps and the echo of doo-wop, reverberating in Philly's streets since the 1950's.

To create this temporal and geographic hybrid, Hamilton turns to a diverse roster of musicians. Philadelphia audiences will immediately recognize Kenny Muhammad, "The Human Orchestra", who constructs a seemingly unlimited library of sound through awe-inspiring manipulation of his body. He has performed with an unlikely assortment of groups, ranging from Public Enemy to The New York Symphony Orchestra. Like Philip Hamilton, Muhammad was last seen on Philadelphia stages in Rennie Harris' Facing Mekka.

A composer and vocalist, Philip Hamilton has performed and recorded with some of the great musicians of our time, including the Pat Metheny Group, Spyro Gyra, Steely Dan's Donald Fagan, Gilberto Gil, Mike Stern and John Cage. The New York Times calls his innovative singing and composing style, "contemporary and cutting edge."

His solo performances challenge audiences to redefine the voice and celebrate its limitless potential. The Village Voice noted of a recent Hamilton performance, "Hamilton's masterful voice.presented a tapestry of vocal and musical wonders". His ensembles, both live and in the studio, have featured some of the music world's best and brightest performers including Greg Osby, Chieli Minucci, John Medeski, Matt Garrison, Bill Evans, Mike Manieri, Richard Bona, Gil Goldstein, Ottmar Liebert and Vernon Reid.

Hamilton is also recognized as the leading contemporary composer of music for dance. The recipient of 2004 New York Dance and Performance Award (Bessie) for his Body of Work in the field of Composition for Dance, Hamilton creates music that makes the spirit, the soul and the body move. He has composed for the world's leading choreographers and dance companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ron Brown, Mia Michaels, Ballet Hispanico, Rennie Harris, Robert Battle and Ann Reinking, the Tony award-winning choreographer of Chicago and Fosse. Ezekiel's Wheel, Hamilton's critically acclaimed work with Danny Buraczeski/Jazzdance is hailed as "a modern masterwork" in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Hamilton continues to nurture others through Montenegro Productions, his production company based in New York City and One Voice, his non-profit agency that presents collaborations that are multi-cultural and multi-disciplined.

Painted Bride Art Center collaborates with emerging and established artists to create, produce and present innovative work that affirms the intrinsic value of all cultures and celebrates the transformative power of the arts. Through performances and exhibitions, education and outreach, the Bride creates a forum for engagement centered on contemporary social issues. For photos and more information contact: Thom Yarnal, Marketing Director, at 215.925.9914 ext. 17, thom@paintedbride.org