Lunchtime Theater: Israel Solomon Duo

Percussionist Israel Solomon pairs rhythms to the jazzy vocals of Coco Watson as they bring a mix of Jazz, RnB, and Soul to life at the Arts HQ Gallery's Lunchtime Theater concert series.

L UNCHTIME THEATER

Lunchtime Theater is a seasonal musical and theater performance program offered to enrich the community. Presented in partnership with the West Valley Arts Council and the City of Surprise, and hosted at the Arts HQ Gallery, it is a unique, diverse, and intimate experience among the visual and performing arts. Surrounded by gallery artwork, Arizona talent from the Phoenix Opera to local jazz trios and theater groups perform in an afternoon 1-hour show once a month from October-April. Ticket reservations are required in advance, and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch or go out and support one of the many local restaurants in Surprise. Open seating begins at 11:30am, and each performance runs 12noon-1pm. (623) 584-2626.

Meet the Performers

Collette "Coco" Watson is a singer, writer and creative who opened for Boyz II Men and Lauryn Hill, duetted with Eric Roberson, and was featured by EBONY, BET, and Oprah Winfrey Network. With two indie-soul albums under her belt, Collette's newest art involves multimedia exploration of justice, healing and Black futures. Collette's voice is shaped by a musical + matriarchal family that raised her with much love under the South Carolina sun.

Israel Solomon grew up surrounded by music. Born of Eritrean and Akimel O’odham parents, diverse musical influences had an early significance in his life. He is rooted in his Phoenix upbringing, where he used music to find connection to his own sense of identity and forge his place in the community as an artist. As a percussionist of 10 years, Israel has a wide range of genres which started in jazz and blossomed into a fusion of sounds which include R&B, Folk, Latin, and most recently Afrobeat. Through his music, Israel has collaborated with poets, storytellers, dancers, speakers, and singers to bring forth the beauty of what he views is art in its purest form. Israel uses his gentle humor to amuse and include audience members in performances, which brings a unique experience to the viewer.

Host or Publisher West Valley Arts Council