Sunny Sumter, courtesy photo

Sumter brings her classic form and repertoire to the Decker Stage at Artscape on Friday, July 13. This performance comes on the heels of her new CD release Rite of Passage. This, her sophomore release, has been described as "a collage of world music beats, jazz, and captivating stories." The fusion is intentional. Sumter has said of this project, "I wanted to bring a global sensibility to this project, so I invited musicians and singers from Puerto Rico, Curacao, Brazil, Israel, Austria, Trinidad, and South Africa to participate."

This fresh young jazz vocalist began her singing career at the tender age of 12. And several years ago when we had an opportunity to interview the hometown artist, she said she knew, even as a child, music would be her future, even in the face of objections. "I've always loved jazz," said Sunny. "Even when my first voice teacher asked me `why are you listening to that old people music? Why don't you sing more pop?'"

"I started listening to Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald--their phrasing, the way they told their story, the way they worked the lyrics of a song. Billy Holiday, in one note you could hear her pain and Ella Fitzgerald, in one note you could hear her joy," stated Sunny.

Although these jazz icons planted the love for jazz deep within her, Sunny says she continually strives to develop and cultivate her own style. "You listen to their recordings and you emulate them, but I really feel that I'm unique. It's something I'm constantly forming...It's really important to have your own sound; it's my tone that distinguishes me," explained the Howard University alumnus.

But her originality is not limited to her vocal technique, this multi-talented artist also writes and produces her own music. She also brings her eloquence and understanding to the small screen, serving as host of Jazz Central on the BET network.

On Friday, July 13, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Sunny will perform at the 20th Annual Artscape Festival in Baltimore, Md. (Mount Royal Avenue between North Avenue and Preston Street at Baltimore's Cultural Center near the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, the Lyric Opera House, the Maryland Institute College of Art, and the University of Baltimore). Sunny opens for Motown legend Smokey Robinson on the Decker Stage. Joining Sunny are Edsel Gomez, piano; Leonardo Lucini, bass and Alejandro Lucini on drums.

The free three-day festival will feature over 150 performing, literary, and visual arts programs and family activities. Performers will include Etta James, Koko Taylor, Ray Charles, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Sample and Lala Hathaway. A complete schedule of performers is provided below. For more information about the festival call 410-396-4575 or visit Artscape's website at www.artscape.org.