written by: Crystal-Angelee Burrell

“Let’s have this medicine together.” Toshi Reagon is a wonder woman who has rightfully been called ‘a treasure waiting to be found.’ The singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and producer known for curating rich cultural experiences performed her Post-Election Day show at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre on November 4th, 2020 with her band, BigLovely. Faithful devotees expect from Reagon a raw, impassioned blend of jazzy folk and the kind of Soul that warrants weeping.

When the nation awaited presidential election results against the backdrop of a global health pandemic and a brutal racial reckoning, Toshi Reagon and Big Lovely rose like the break of dawn in a bleak and endless night. Across a two-hour set, they take us on a journey that addresses America’s sociopolitical anxiety and offers us a worthy path forward.

Reagon empathizes with the average American—"I might not see the light of day, it’s frightful”—while reminding us of our own power and resilience—"We strengthened [this system] with our numbers and our fortitude.” Reagon and Big Lovely’s musical intellect is also on full display; clear homages to Prince and the New Power Generation, George Clinton, Billy Joel, Bob Marley and The Wailers come shining through the screen. Poets offer spoken word critiques of America’s broken promises to its darker sons and daughters, while musical guests allude to their ancestral “memory, hopes and sovereignty.” Done Your Best comforts those burdened by systemic inequities. For Freedoms, an artist-led movement increasing civic engagement in our democracy, even collaborated with Reagon to install that song’s lyrics on a billboard along Interstate 45 in Texas.

Reagon’s final song says “sunshine still shines in the pouring rain,” a ballad ushering in a new chapter of America’s history. We’d be wise to follow Reagon’s plea to write this next chapter with each other in mind.

Available to stream until HERE December 16 at 11:59PM EST.

Please note, Joe’s Pub is a sponsor of The Culture LP’s programs and content. By working together we employ Black artists from our community like freelance writer, Crystal-Angelee Burrell.