Rising Stars: Meet Saahara Glaudé of Buckhead

Today we’d like to introduce you to Saahara Glaudé

Hi Saahara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began as a writer – journalist for a Washington DC “Rolling Stone” formatted magazine “The Unicorn Times” covering primarily Jazz after having travelled the Jazz world oftimes performing logistics which then led to broadcasting Jazz (music & talk) for a Pacifica NPR affiliated station. I went on to program for WPFW radio station & teach Communications at Clark Atlanta University; later broadcasting for WSB & relocating to Birmingham AL to broadcast for A.G.Gaston’s historic WENN Radio. From there I merged into full time talk & news working for WERC & then Alabama Associated Press.

Thereafter, I consolidated my skills to design a concierge PR service catering to a number of established clients. While working for a particular client who is a Conductor/Arranger, I worked with concertmaster Felix Farrar. Working on a concert performance at the Civil Rights landmark The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, we more or less decided to explore a professional partnership and with Felix’s vast connections with artists literally across the globe, Encore Artists Management was formed.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m not prone to embrace or accept excuses. My mindset is “get it done!” — “just do it!!” Have there been hurdles? 100%!! Most of which are racially based & attributed to White privilege. I did not grow up in the Deep South! I grew up in Washington DC – within walking distance to The White House — in the Howard University community where my neighbors were brilliant scholars. We were not confronted with blatant racism. It was subtle but, prevalent.

I had to kick doors down and demand! Having the fortitude to expand a wormhole into a bonafide entrance way was a constant. Even today there are discrepancies considered “the norm.” Not so! Every single time I am confronted with this practice, I step on and over it!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As Vice President & Publicist of EAM, I literally wear a multiplicity of proverbial hats. Felix, my biz partner, oversees the selection of all artists comprised of conductors, composers, arrangers, musicians and vocalists. Our artists are highly skilled and accomplished providing service for Atlanta Opera – Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and countless orchestras and productions throughout the world. Felix selects who will perform what. I pursue performance opportunities and generate all publicity.

We are proud and humbled to represent a collective of preeminent artists, the majority of whom are Black. Not all our artists. The majority who unfortunately are victimized in some instances by White priviledge in that their talent and skills are not generously showcased on a level playing field. [Pun intended!]

If anything sets me apart, it is that I was raised in a world of psychological equality. I never perceived my race as a disadvantage until I learned of racism experienced by others. I began on equal footing with equal cultural advantages and education. I had no racial inferiority to overcome. I hit the professional ground running long before “Black Lives Matter” and I have never slowed down. I expect my access never to be denied NOT from a sense of entitlement but, from ancestral adjudication.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
That’s so a relative state of mind! For me personally, success is achievement of for whatever you set your cap in combination with establishing and clinging to morales, justice, compassion and generosity. I would not relish a plate of accomplishments were I not kind, fair and willing to share. Share not only substance but, substance of character by gifting intellectual know-how. If I can achieve all I wish for EAM and be of help along the way? I have succeeded!

Pricing:

• Our artists are members of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Union. The AFM represents professional musicians playing in orchestras, bands, clubs, and theater—both on Broadway and on tour. Fees are set by AFM Union.
• EAM artists perform for various fundraisers who underwrite all production costs (including artists fees) and profit from whatever ticket prices are affixed.
• EAM artists can comprise solo, duo, trio, quartet, quintet etc. assemble to full-blown orchestra — “all” with/without vocals; performing any genré from Classical to Jazz. The fee depends on the requested performance.
• All artists are available for solo performance – save drums – percussions — and fees are based on performance in conjunction w/Union Base Rate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.encoreartists.org