Sweet Honey in the Rock at Hill Auditorium

The University Musical Society (UMS) presents the Grammy Award-winning all-female African American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. Rooted in a deeply held commitment to create music out of the rich textures of African American legacy and traditions, Sweet Honey in the Rock possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures the complex sounds of blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, hip-hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz improvisation. Sweet Honey’s collective voice, occasionally accompanied by hand percussion instruments, produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms. This performance is sign language interpreted; tickets are being held in the front of the main floor for people with hearing impairments.

Founded in 1973 by Bernice Johnson Reagon at the DC Black Repertory Theater Company, Sweet Honey in the Rock has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture of Washington, DC, and in communities of conscience around the world. The current members of Sweet Honey — Ysaye Barnwell, Nitanju Casel, Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, and Shirley Sexton — have brought Reagon’s legacy into the 21st century.

Sweet Honey in the Rock takes its name from Psalm 81:16, which makes the promise of feeding a people with honey out of a rock. The metaphor “sweet honey in the rock” captures the essence of these African American women whose repertoire is steeped in the sacred music of the Black church, the clarion calls of the Civil Rights movement, and songs of the struggle for justice everywhere. Sweet Honey member Louise Robinson talked about this idea in an interview: "Sweet Honey speaks of a land that is so rich that when you break the rocks open, honey flows. And we thought it was something like us African American women... strong like a rock, but inside [there's] honey — sweet.” (National Public Radio)

Sweet Honey in the Rock is dedicated to expressing the broad spectrum of human experience. Through its music, the group strives to impart wisdom and share life lessons with today’s youth. The group’s longstanding commitment to social justice was showcased in 2003 when the women of Sweet Honey performed on the steps of the US Supreme Court in support of affirmative action during the landmark Grutter v. Bollinger case. In 2004, the University Musical Society honored Sweet Honey in the Rock for its musical accomplishments and commitment to UMS and the University of Michigan with the UMS Distinguished Artist Award.

In 2008, Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrated its 20th CD release, the Grammy Award nominated Experience…101. Also that year, Sweet Honey was asked to compose new material in celebration of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater’s 50th anniversary, which was recorded for the 2008 release Go in Grace.

In 2009, Sweet Honey was honored to accept an invitation from President and Mrs. Barack Obama to give a concert at the White House.

In response to the state of Arizona passing of law SB-1070 — requiring immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times — Sweet Honey held a tribute concert and CD release entitled Remembering Nina, Odetta, and Miriam Makeba (2010).

The 2011/12 season highlights include the premiere of a new work — Affirmations: A Musical Journey of Hope and Aspiration — in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra as part of their Pops series at The Kennedy Center. The ensemble will also be touring and performing a special tribute concert in Washington DC in April 2012.