Manifesto is proud to present a second in our "A Talk With..." series featuring a musician and vocalist regarded as the grandfather of neo-soul, and one of a small handful of jazz artists to be seen as key influencers of the hip hop genre.

Saturday, November 19
3-5pm
37 Bulwer St. (1 block North of Queen, btw Spadina and SOHO)
$10 entry | Limited to 40 spaces
Buy tickets online: http://www.ticketpicket.com/talkroyayers (bring printed ticket and ID to the door for entry)

Who is Roy Ayers...?

Vibraphonist/vocalist Roy Ayers is among the best-known, most loved and respected jazz/R&B artist on the music-scene today. In his 40-plus years as a vibraphonist, Ayers has produced a string of soul and funk classics, like “We Live In Brooklyn Baby” and “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” that has arguably made him the second-most sampled musician in hip-hop, after James Brown. You may have heard snippets of his music in songs by 50 Cent protégé Tony Yayo (“Fake Love”) or A Tribe Called Quest (“Bonita Applebum”). But while the exposure of his extensive catalogue is enough to boost any man’s ego, the 68-year-old Ayers remains humble and busy.

Known as the Godfather of Neo-soul, Ayers continues to bridge the gap between generations of music lovers. In the 60’s he was an award-winning jazz vibraphonist, and transformed into a popular R&B band leader in the 70's/80's. Today, the dynamic music man is an iconic figure still in great demand and whose music industry heavyweights, including Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac and Ice Cube.

Ayers recently recorded with hip hop artist Talib Kweli (produced by Kanye West) and jazz/R&B singer Wil Downing.