Concert in the Loft: Lady D and Andrew Caldwell

Concerts in the Loft is a free live music series that brings the community together through performances by local and regional artists. These concerts create a welcoming space for connection, creativity, and fellowship while supporting the arts in Morgantown.

Known as "West Virginia's First Lady of Soul & Blues," Lady D delivers a powerful performance rich in gospel roots, blues tradition, and inspiring originals.

Bessie’s Blues is a one-woman theatrical performance that is a direct spin-off of the original Lady and the Empress stage play. “Bessie’s Blues” was conceived specifically with young people in mind but because of its minimal set and space requirement, it is easily adapted to adult audiences and non-traditional venues. It is a great piece of history and entertainment combined and guaranteed to leave an audience wanting more.

This blend of education and entertainment will give the audience a glimpse into what America was like for people of color, especially musicians and performers, during the 20s and 30s. It highlights some of the colorful “slang” that was in use at that time and brings to life the bold, beautiful, and bawdy Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith, in a masterclass on this country’s first purely American musical art form, the Blues.