The In-Between is a theatrical performance of Roderick Woodruff’s latest album, The In-Between. The album tells the story of Black queer love and break ups. The In-Between is meant to uplift and honor the complexities of homosexual relationships and embrace femininity that is often robbed from Black boys. Prior to the concert, 3-4 artist will open the concert in true showcase style!
Roderick Woodruff (he/him)
Roderick Woodruff is a Detroit native based in Brooklyn, NY. It is his duty as an artist to use his voice to demand change–commanding respect for myself–being an agent to those who may not have the power to do so alone. His work is his weapon in combat. It provides solace for the Queer, Black boys who have had to navigate life while placed under systematic oppression and threatening the toxic hyper-masculine patriarchal structure. Through storytelling, music, and film, his work aims to bring visibility and access to the Black Queer experience. His previous work includes A Boy’s Room, which premiered during ANT Fest ’21.
Vittorio Stropoli (he/him)
Musical Director Vittorio Stropoli is a 21-year-old pianist, composer, and sound designer from NYC. He began studying classical piano at 3. In his early teens, he started learning jazz at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege. His talents have led him to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival, SOB’s, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn, the Jazz Gallery, Nublu, and the National Jazz Museum to name a few. He has shared the stage playing with notable artists such as Cisco Swank, Linda Diaz, Luke Titus, Bairi, and more. He has also received multiple honors such as being a 3x YoungArts Winner, 4x Downbeat Student Music Awards Winner, and a Vail Jazz All-Star. Today, he is a senior at the Manhattan School of Music studying under the guidance of Marc Cary and John Riley. Vittorio co-leads a group entitled Juvenoia, which has played multiple tours around the US in the past year. The group most recently opened for Seafoam Walls Swank at The Sultan Room, a popular venue in Brooklyn. He is currently working on releasing his own music while continuing to perform as a leader and a sideman.
Gabriel Terry (he/him)
Choreographer and Co-Creative Director Gabriel Terry was born and raised in Augusta, GA. Having the itch for the arts, he began his artistic journey playing the piano and then transitioning to percussion. After being accepted into John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School he started training in theater and dance. There he was able to start honing his choreographic skills. After attending the University of North Carolina Greensboro, he started his producing journey by creating the Instagram interview series Gabe’s Quarantine Talks, interviewing local artists of color, elevating their platforms, and expanding to new audiences. Simultaneously, provided choreography for Adia Victoria, Dej, J. Lately. With Roderick Woodruff, Gabriel makes his Creative Directorial and Choreographic debut in NYC. You’re able to keep up with him on Instagram @gabrieldterry.
Featured Artists
Ainae Nielsen (they/them)
Tastefully fusing her love for Soulful R&B, Hip Hop, and Contemporary Pop, Ainae creates an inviting experience giving room for listeners to express themselves. You can’t heal wounds without talking about them, and Ainae is an artist who honors that. Ainae graduated from Howard University and, while in attendance, graced the stage as a contestant on the singing competition The Voice on Kelly Clarkson’s Team. She gained attention from her whimsical soprano voice. The vocalist and songwriter was raised in SouthEast Washington DC and has performed and organized events in the DMV area, helping to uplift local talent. She uses her poetry and melodies to translate her experiences and hopes into every song. She has performed at venues/stages like NBC’s The Voice, Union Stage, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Twins Jazz, U Street Music Hall, Howard University Homecoming, and various Sofar Sounds experiences.
Ashen (she/her)
Ashen is an artist from Queens, NY. Although Hip Hop and R&B are her main sounds, she draws from all genres, including her own culture: reggae and dancehall. A Jamaican girl from a New York world, Ashen could only be heard and understood through communicating with music. She fully embraced her passion for sound at the early age of 14.
Janel (she/her)
Janel is a 24 year old singer – songwriter from Langhorne, PA. Inspired by her love for 2000s Pop and R&B, Janel uses her lyrics to give listeners a front row seat to her experiences with life, love and self identity. With musical influences ranging from Kanye West to Destiny’s Child, Janel intertwines hard hitting beats with powerhouse vocals; making even the saddest song danceable. With an extensive performance background, she has quickly become an indie artist to watch.
