MUSIC Bram Goldsmith Theater
THE WALLIS & TONALITY PRESENT
PUT YOUR GUNS DOWN
FEATURING GUEST ARTIST WILD UP
May 24, 2025
7:30 PMMusic @ The Wallis is generously made possible by Terri and Jerry Kohl
Making their Wallis debut, GRAMMY-award winning vocal choir Tonality combines melodic harmonies to present concerts on themes of social justice in hopes to catalyze empathy and community activism. Put Your Guns Down discusses issues related to gun violence in the United States. Some of the selections will discuss mass shootings, police brutality, the effects on victims, school shootings, and suicide prevention. The concert also focuses on an active sense of peace as we come together to find solutions toward the epidemic of gun violence in this country. This evening’s performance will feature the world premiere of Alexander Lloyd Blake’s Running From, Running To: A Musical Reflection on Ahmaud Arbery.
Post-performance Q&A with Alexander Lloyd Blake and Wanda Cooper Jones
ABOUT RUNNING FROM, RUNNING TO: A MUSICAL REFLECTION ON AHMAUD ARBERY
Premiering at The Wallis this May is Alexander Lloyd Blake’s Running From, Running To: A Musical Reflection on Ahmaud Arbery. A musical work that explores Ahmaud Arbery’s passions and dreams; how those were stolen; and how we are all a part of his story. Arbery was murdered during a racially motivated hate crime in February 2020.
This roughly 30-minute work for choir, orchestra and soloists will showcase the different musical genres that are an integral part of Blake’s musical makeup. The text for the piece is based on Blake’s reflections upon reading the poetry of Imani Tolliver.
Running From, Running To: A Musical Reflection on Ahmaud Arbery is made possible by the MAP Fund.
Read safety information here.
PUT YOUR GUNS DOWN - ADDITIONAL BIOS
Called “a raucous, grungy, irresistibly exuberant…fun-loving, exceptionally virtuosic family” (New York Times), Wild Up has been lauded as one of new music’s most exciting groups by virtually every significant institution and critic within earshot. Artistic Director Christopher Rountree started the group in 2010 to eschew outdated ensemble and concert traditions by experimenting with different methodologies, approaches, and contexts.
Wild Up has collaborated with an expansive list of composers, performers, and cultural institutions. Over the last decade, the group has premiered hundreds of works with artists such as Pamela Z, Sarah Hennies, David Lang, Ted Hearne, Julia Holter, Scott Walker, Juliana Barwick, and Ragnar Kjartansson and accompanied significant stars such as Björk. Wild Up has given milestone concerts across the United States at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hammer Museum, the Broad Museum, LACMA, The Soraya, The 92nd Street Y, National Gallery, National Sawdust, Roulette, and many more.
Their critically acclaimed, three-time GRAMMY-nominated Julius Eastman recording anthology has been celebrated as “a masterpiece.” (New York Times), “instantly recognizable” (Vogue), and “singularly jubilant..a bit in your face, sometimes capricious, and always surprising.” (NPR).
Jovian Zayne is an internationally recognized speaker, certified leadership coach, and expert facilitator known for her heart-centered, purpose-driven approach to leadership and social impact. With two decades of experience guiding individuals and organizations through meaningful transformation, she is committed to helping people live and lead with integrity, clarity, and conviction.
As the CEO of The OnPurpose Movement, Jovian has supported thousands of leaders across the globe including educators, artists, activists, and executives, offering tools to lead lives rooted in purpose and aligned with their values. Her client list includes Google, The New York Times, Harvard University, IDEO, Spotify, and the Clinton Foundation.
Jovian’s work has been featured by Fast Company, New York Magazine, NPR, Essence, and The GRAMMYs, and she has been recognized as a 2019 Aspen Ideas Fellow, a member of the 2022 Creative Collective’s Creative Class, and a 2018 Root 100 honoree, celebrating the most influential Black Americans under 45.
She is the Founder of the International Day of Purpose®, a global movement that has reached over 18 million people, encouraging reflection, service, and meaningful action. Her advocacy and impact work include partnerships with Michelle Obama's, When We All Vote Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YWCA, and the award-winning #ShareTheMicNow campaign alongside voices like Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Julia Roberts and Brene Brown.
Deeply grounded in faith and community, Jovian was invited to participate in the historic 2021 #SayHerName tribute with Janelle Monáe, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and the Kimberle Crenshaw's African American Policy Forum, honoring Black women and girls impacted by racial injustice.
Jovian resides in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter, where they continue to build a life rooted in joy, service, and curiosity. Her forthcoming book, published by Penguin Random House, Soft Landings for Hard Days, is a stunning offering on building a life of courageous care for your hardest days.