Musician, creative and scholar Dr. Ashley Jackson pushes the boundaries of genre by unearthing common ground in the traditions of Black America and other musical styles. Her newest curation, Take Me to the Water, is an immersive audio experience that touches on themes from African mythology, the antebellum spiritual tradition and water’s transportive, transmogrifying nature. Driven by Jackson’s “soulful” harp solos (Musical America), and backed by the string ensemble Rootstock Republic, Take Me to the Water celebrates her heritage with music by Margaret Bonds, Alice Coltrane, and Nina Simone.

Take Me to the Water is co-presented by ChamberMusicNY, which provides free concerts to new audiences throughout the city.