Led by violinist Michelle May, a 2018 Detroit Kresge Artist Fellow (www.michellemay.net), Musique Noire produces a sophisticated sound showcasing unique arrangements of world fusion music. Musique Noire was formed in 2005. The group’s members, who reside in Michigan and California are veteran players nationally and internationally, having performed with such high-profile artists as Stevie Wonder, KEM, Aretha Franklin, El Debarge, and Frank McComb among many others. Current instrumentation: Michelle on violin and flute, Leslie Deshazor Adams on viola, Leah Lucas Celebi on viola and violin, JoVia Armstrong, a 2011 3Arts Siragusa Foundation (Chicago) Artist Awardee,(www.joviaarmstrong.com) on percussion, Marion Hayden, a 2016 Detroit Kresge Artist Fellow (www.marionhayden.com) on bass and Max Bowen on guitar.

Their debut CD, “Good Hair”, features original songs (and three cover tunes) that reflect their musical influences in funk, Latin, world music and jazz. 2011 saw the release of their second CD, “Holiday Dreams: A Celebration of Christmas”, with their unique arrangements of traditional Christmas tunes and the jazz classic, “A Child Is Born.” Their latest release, “Reflections: We Breathe” celebrates women warriors of the arts, with original tunes and covers of Nina Simone and Eileen Ivers.

Musique Noire were 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2018 Detroit Music Awards nominees for Outstanding Jazz Recording (2009, 2018) and Outstanding World/Reggae Group (2009, 2010, 2011, 2018) and 2015 winners of the Best Black Female Jazz Group through Black Women in Jazz Awards out of Atlanta, GA. The ensemble was also featured as a 2018 TEDx Detroit performer/presenters.