Sounds of Summer Fest
The Sounds of Summer Fest is a free lunchtime concert series that features up-and-coming New York City artists curated across genres over four days in June, July, and August.
On July 24 the series continues with “The Rakiem Walker Project“ featuring “GLR¥A." Don’t miss an afternoon full of live music, free giveaways, and delicious snacks.
Date: Monday, July 24, 2023
Time: 12:30-1:30 PM ET
Location: Italian Academy Teatro
FEATURING
“THE RAKIEM WALKER PROJECT" (RWP) is a collective of musicians and vocalist that has developed a renowned signature sound that is well known in the New York City Tro-state area. An organization of musicians that have thirsted for a community of musical like mindedness led by “Rakiem Walker” & lead vocalist “GLR¥A”. Rakiem Walker has been the music director for: Teddy Riley, Camron, Eric Benet,Melba Moore, Freddie Jackson, CL Smooth, Timbuktu (Sweden’s major artist), etc. Rakiem has worked with and played saxophone for Roy Ayers, Gil Scott Heron, The RZA, SWV, Keith Sweat, Dipset, Lehman College graduate big band, etc. He is also a voting member of the Recording Academy. He also possesses his own label Walker Entertainment Group (WEG) distributed by SONY.
GLR¥A’s 4.5 octaves resonate from shared stages with Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Deborah Cox and Patti LaBelle. Also, across platforms from A&E’s Lifetime TV, YouTube Private Events and the History Channel. She's shared her voice for the brands :JP Morgan Chase, The Rockefeller Family’s Oceana Foundation, IBM, MasterCard,Chanel, Gucci, French Connection, and Dapper Dan.
She has had residencies in some of New York’s most recognized hot spots, like Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster, Harlem where she’s featured in the restaurant’s eponymous cookbook as a voice of Harlem, and Melba Wilson’s, Melba’s Restaurant, The Seville, Gurney’s Montauk and Soho House-The Dumbo Location.
GLR¥A has been classically trained by vocal coach legend, Dr. Lena McLin (who trained Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson). GLR¥A first taught herself by copying the pitch of greats like Aretha Franklin and Minnie Ripperton and Mariah Carey. Patti LaBelle herself likened GLR¥A to Whitney.
GLR¥A mentions "I was born in Houston, raised in Chicago, and became an adult in Harlem, NY. GLR¥A says. “...New York is a different kind of school, a different kind of college and evokes a different kind of hustle." In addition to performing as a vocalist, she’s also a skilled songwriter, arranger and producer.
Rakiem Walker heard her sing at the closing of the historic Lenox Lounge in Harlem and they have been creating magic ever since. GLR¥A was the voice of Lifetime TV’s “Hooked On Summer” campaign for the summer of 2020. She's featured in the Dec20/Jan21 issue of Bon Appetit. GLR¥A was also featured in the commercial announcing the reopening campaign of NYC in Summer 2021. This year GLR¥A is featured in the book, New York Chic by the mega luxury publishing house, Assouline.
Her single, "All Go Down" is a bona-fide hit! The single has garnered GLR¥A thousands of new fans and international exposure. GLR¥A recently toured with Jason "Timbuktu" Diakité as a cast member of the play, "A Drop Of Midnight" and performed sold out shows at various nightclubs in Sweden. GLR¥A has performed at SOHO HOUSE/DUMBO HOUSE LOCATION in 2023. She was also featured at the “Wall To Wall Women”concert featured at Symphony Space in New York City on April 1st 2023. She is also featured on more projects with the HISTORY CHANNEL and A&E Networks projects narrated by MORGAN FREEMAN.
She has a music video on VEVO for her new hit dance single “All Go Down” on YouTube. The remix will be released soon as well.
Her own breakthrough is imminent. While GLR¥A has a few Grammy nods under her belt as a background vocalist, she’s most excited about the release of her upcoming album on Sony/Orchard/WhatevaOK and Walker Entertainment Group. She is excited for her audience to experience her live performances and sonic flavor. “My daily prayer is that my voice will reach people to incite love, healing, and hope.”
For further information please contact sps-events [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
For additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 212-854-9666 or inquire [[at]] sps [[dot]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
Discover other events happening during Columbia University Summer Session by visiting summer.sps.columbia.edu
Please note the COVID-19 requirements for this event.
Columbia University is committed to protecting the health and safety of its community. Effective May 11, 2023, event attendees are strongly recommended to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and community guidance on indoor masking. Attendees will not be required to attest, show proof of vaccination status or recent test results, however, are encouraged to stay home if feeling unwell or testing positive for COVID-19.
Please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness for the latest health and safety policies as they are subject to change.