Book Black Women will be holding a concert Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. The concert will feature local and national Black women performers. Tickets cost $25 for this one-time event.
Ayana Washington, founder and president of Book Black Women, will number among the performers. She most recently played the Dragon in “Shrek the Musical” at CFRT, and will be singing a few of Stevie Wonder’s greatest hits.

In addition to Washington’s own talents, the Arione String Ensemble of Leigh Montague (cello), Monique Singletary (violin) and Kimberly Simpkins (violin) will perform with upbeat renditions of hip-hop and rhythm and blies favorites. Melrose Johnson, a classically trained opera singer, was Sophia in CFRT’s production of “The Color Purple.” Her set will include “The Creole Call,” a sensual operatic number.

Yael Hilton is a gospel recording artist with Light Records. She will close out the show with some inspirational music.

“Her voice is incomparable and I personally cannot wait to experience her gift,” said Washington.

Washington said the inspiration of the name “Blueprint” came from Black women.

“Black women are incredibly influential in popular culture. Our vernacular, the way we style our crowns, our fashion and even our music has a tendency to inspire communities beyond our own. I felt it was beautiful to call Black women what they are and have proven to be: the trendsetters, the OGs, The Blueprint,” she said.

Washington began Book Black Women as a way to empower Black women in the community and to help give women the opportunity to shine.

“With colorism being loud and silent all at once, it can sometimes be hard for Black women to get the shots they deserve,” she said.

Earlier this year, Washington began planning events to hold throughout 2022 to showcase talents within the Fayetteville community. Blueprint is her third such event, with the other two being quite successful. CFRT is partnering with Book Black Women and has become their first fiscal sponsor.

“I am currently on the road to becoming a 501c3 non-profit … They believe in the vision I have for Book Black Women Inc,” she said.

Washington says the best way for the community to help Book Black Women is to check in on their website, www.bookblackwomen.com, and stay updated on events.
People can also find them on facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/people/Book-Black-Women/100070481793735/.

Blueprint will be a one-night only event on Aug. 13. Tickets cost $25 and are currently on sale through the CFRT website at https://cfrt.easy-ware-ticketing.com/events.