Alfreda Sings Aretha

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 / 7:00 pm

Program

Originally from Morganton, NC, Alfreda Gerald studied music education at Mars Hill College in NC, opera performance at The Julliard School, and additional music studies at Westminster Choir College and NC School of the Arts.

Upon graduating from college, Alfreda sang professional opera with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra. She has both a classical and R&B background and has toured and/or recorded with such artists as Sir Elton John, Cher, Whitney Houston, Warren Haynes (Allman Bros, Gov't Mule), Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Co, Oteil & Friends), The Gap Band, Chaka Khan, Earl Klugh, Isaac Hayes, Charlie Wilson, Third Day, Celine Dion, The Black Crowes, Gladys Knight, Shawn Mullins and Taliesin Orchestra.

She's heard as the woman singing nonsensical lyrics to the theme song of the 1994 cult classic Cartoon Network/Adult Swim series, Space Ghost Coast to Coast (credited as "Alfrieda Gerald"). Her vocal performance was improvised to playback of the theme as performed by Sonny Sharrock.

You may have also heard her indelible vocals on commercials for Coke, Diet Coke, Pepsi, Spite, McDonald's, Hardee's, KFC, Church's Chicken, Popeye's Chicken, General Motors, Ford Motor Cars, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Texas Pete Hot Sauce, NAPA Auto Parts, Motorola, Creomulsion Cough Syrup, and Marriott.

She has been a featured vocalist with Yanni on several of his singles, and has appeared on three of his tours, Ethnicity and 2005 Yanni Live! world tours, and appears in the live concert films Tribute, and Yanni Live! The Concert Event.

Alfreda appeared in Madea's Witness Protection (2012) performing "Oh Happy Day". She also appeared in The Hate U Give (film) and TV shows Hap and Leonard (TV series) and The Detour.

Showcasing an incredible wealth of stage experience, Alfreda has performed shows throughout the world, singing at some of the most preeminent venues on earth, namely Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, Sydney Opera House, The Acropolis, and even the mighty Wembley Stadium.

Alfreda is an eclectic and diverse singer, seamlessly performing music in genres as diverse as classical, soul, pop, blues, rock, R&B, and electronic dance music.