Ragan Whiteside live in Nashville

Experience Ragan Whiteside live on June 27th

Ragan Whiteside is a vocalist and composer known for her work blending jazz, blues, and classical influences with a distinctly theatrical presentation. Her performances often incorporate storytelling and explore themes of Black history and womanhood, drawing on extensive research into overlooked narratives. She frequently utilizes extended vocal techniques and improvisation within structured arrangements.

Fisk University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, holds a significant place in American history as a historically Black university (HBCU) founded in 1866, shortly after the Civil War. Established by the American Missionary Association to educate newly freed African Americans, Fisk initially focused on training teachers. It quickly became renowned for its academic rigor and commitment to social justice.

The university is particularly celebrated for the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a student ensemble formed in 1871 to raise funds for the institution through concert tours featuring spirituals and other musical forms. These tours were instrumental in introducing African American musical traditions to a wider audience and securing Fisk’s financial stability. The campus itself is architecturally notable, with several buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks. The university continues to be a leading center for Black intellectual life and artistic expression.