Celebrate Ma Rainey, Mother of the Blues

North Jersey Blues Society and Blues Alive have collaborated to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy with this unique musical portrait. Gertrude Pritchett — a.k.a. Ma Rainey — still reigns as the Mother of the Blues, and a trailblazing American composer band leader. This intimate event celebrates and contextualizes Ma Rainey as a powerful blues musician, mentor, and collaborator to a cadre of musicians who, in turn, became innovators themselves: pianist Thomas Dorsey, guitarist Tampa Red, and saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.

Enjoy a set of Rainey’s classics while exploring the musical, historical, and cultural impact of her work. Selections begin with her works, progresses into examples of Call and Response, R&B, Swing, Gospel, and Soul, and concludes with Dr. Billy Taylor’s homage to Dr. King, “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free,” Nina Simone’s famed anthem for The Movement of the 1960s. This event features a Q&A and encourages audience engagement and participation in conversations that frame American music up to the present as a living tradition of the Blues. 

Funding for this program is provided by the NJ Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. 

Doors open at 5PM; show begins at 5:30 with a run time of 80 minutes.

One evening, two live shows!

SOPAC encourages patrons attending this free 5:30PM event in the Loft to enjoy a double header evening buy purchasing tickets for the 7:30PM headlining event on the Mainstage: South Orange International Blues Fest Winter Edition: “Women of the Blues” Featuring Sue Foley, Alexis P. Suter & Rae Simone.

The Lineup

Beareather Reddy, vocals 

Charlie Apicella, guitar, tenor banjo 

Avery Sharpe, bass 

Steve Johns, drums

South Orange International Blues Fest: Winter Edition

Once again, celebrated SOPAC curator and local Blues legend Mike Griot brings his storied programming to the Mainstage to present the Winter Edition of SOPAC’s 2nd Annual South Orange International Blues Festival: “Women of the Blues” featuring three masters of incomparable depth and range: 2025 Grammy-nominated artist Sue Foley, Alexis P. Suter, and Rae Simone. 

A member of SOPAC’s Creative Community Brain Trust, Griot curates this annual event with longtime Blues fans, casual listeners, and curious newcomers in mind. Whether you’re seeking new music from contemporary artists to elevate your record collection or playlist; a range of live performances that share personal stories and deep-pocket shuffles; or a down-home warm-up away from the winter chill, this festival is the event for you. 

The 2nd Annual South Orange International Blues Festival at SOPAC invites audiences of all ages to salute the women who continue the legacy of this music, creating diverse spaces for live performance and creative expression.

Festival Curator

Mike Griot 

An internationally sought-after bass player and producer, Mike Griot has toured Europe and performed with the likes of Queen Latifah and Hezekiah Walker. A member of SOPAC’s illustrious Creative Brain Trust, Griot is proud to have founded SOPAC’s “In the Loft” series, and served for many years as curator of its “Blues in the Loft” events. He received the 2014 HANDS Community Leadership Award and is proud to call Orange Valley his home.

SOPAC Member Benefits

Member Discounts: Members at the Advocate Level or higher ($65+) will receive a discounted ticket price.

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you or a member of your party needs assistance, please notify SOPAC at the time your tickets are purchased. Contact the SOPAC Box Office at (973) 313-2787 or boxoffice@SOPACnow.org.