Samora Pinderhughes

Samora Pinderhughes is a composer, pianist/vocalist, and interdisciplinary artist whose work delves into the things our society tries to hide—about its history, its structures, and the individual and daily things we all experience but don’t know how to talk about. His art is an invitation to feel things deeply and to think deeply about how we all live. He is known for his honest lyrics, his harmonic language, his vulnerable visuals, his cultural commentary, and his commitment to making art that is of use to everyday life. He is also known for using his music to examine sociopolitical issues and fight for change, and he works in the tradition of the Black surrealists, those who bend word, sound, and image toward the causes of revolution. Pinderhughes’s emotional, soulful music and lyrics beautifully unravel difficult and vulnerable topics.  

For this one-night-only experience at the ICA, Pinderhughes will perform in support of his new album, Venus Smiles Not in the House of Tears. He will be joined onstage by his longtime band members and a multi-voiced choir for an unforgettable evening of contemplative, searching, and joyful music.

John Andress, Bill T. Jones Director/Curator of Performing Arts, speaks about an unforgettable Samora Pinderhughes performance

Pinderhughes has collaborated with many artists across boundaries and scenes, including Herbie Hancock, Glenn Ligon, Sara Bareilles, Simone Leigh, Daveed Diggs, Kyle Abraham, Titus Kaphar, and Lalah Hathaway. He is the first-ever Art for Justice + Soros Justice Fellow and a recipient of Chamber Music America’s 2020 Visionary Award.