On Wednesday June 20, 2018 we're highlighting the Start of Cool concert by teaming up for a community conversation about Nina Simone Revisited with Four Women (Carly P. Jones, Rissi Palmer, Yolanda Rabun, and Tamisha Waden) who will offer insight into their own creative process as well as Nina Simone's influence on their artistic legacy.

For ages 8-18. Campers will use journaling to create personal songs and will work collectively on a performance piece. Go to walltownchildrenstheatre.org for more information.

2 Hour Workshop includes: • short performance from Rissi • Q&A • one on one work sessions in a classroom setting (at least 8 minutes of one on one) • tackling trouble spots vocally • connection to a song emotionally • stage presence and microphone technique • song critique (for songwriting)

Having studied voice for 18 years under industry veterans Louis Valenzi (Broadway and television actor) and Robin Brown (accomplished vocalist, vocal coach to Destiny’s Child, Solange, Usher, etc.), Rissi Palmer has partnered what she has learned from her esteemed instructors and her years of touring and recording to create a voice curriculum for students who are interested in performing as well as singing. She is passionate about helping her students find and develop their own unique sound by tailoring her lessons to the student’s age and experience level. In addition to using traditional vocal warm ups, exercises, and breathing techniques in her curriculum, students are encouraged to choose the music they are interested in. While she doesn’t believe in traditional voice lessons for any child under the age of 13, Ms. Palmer believes that it’s never to early for a student to develop ear training and learn to sing tunefully. Since writing her first song at 6 and receiving her first publishing deal at the age of 19, Rissi has taken her years of songwriting in Nashville and New York City and created a curriculum for students who are interested in lyric and music composition. She is passionate about helping her students find and develop their own unique voice and style by teaching the differences and similarities of various genres (i.e. Country, R&B, Pop, Rock, Indie, etc), encouraging students keep a journal, and using various exercises to dissect and learn the techniques of great songwriters of yesterday and today.

*This workshop is designed for teens and adults ages 14+

Join Families Moving Forward for our Inaugural Kids for Change End of Summer Celebration from 3-5 pm on Sunday, August 26th, 2018 at the Durham Central Park! This is event is FREE and ALL ARE WELCOME!

We'll have family-friendly entertainment, affordable food/drinks and plenty of fun for the whole family. Headlined by Durham's own Rissi Palmer with other local talents to be announced.