ChiArts presents: Genna Simon & Alencia Norris Livestream

ChiArts presents: Genna Simon & Alencia Norris Livestream 

Dates Available: September 25 - September 27, 2022 

Live Showtime: 2PM on September 25

Tickets: $20 - General Admission

About Genna Simon: 

Inspired by the lyricism of folk artists and the sounds of 90s indie-pop, Genna Simon’s writing works to create a dreamy, head-in-the-clouds type of musical atmosphere with honest lyricism. Born and raised in Chicago, Genna’s first love of guitar stems from listening to her grandmother play music at a special Guitar Mass at St. Margaret Mary’s Church in Rogers Park. Genna was influenced by folk music and musical theater from an early age and eventually went on to major in musical theater at Chicago High School for the Arts. Genna moved on to Illinois Wesleyan University, where she graduated in 2018 with a degree in Contemporary Musicianship and Vocal Performance. She released her first single "Just Fine" in 2017 and her debut EP Horizon in the summer of 2019. Her EP Horizon contemplates the experiences of entering adulthood and handling change while seeking to overcome a careful inner voice of anxiety. Genna is currently working on a project of releasing new music, with a projected date to come.

About Alencia Norris: 

Alencia Norris is an emerging singer/songwriter from Chicago, with a passion for music of all genres. Alencia first began to hone and develop her musical talents as a member of Chicago Children’s Choir. There she gained an appreciation for choral performance and music of all genres. Later, as a student of Chicago High School for the Arts, she began to study solo voice and further enhance her musical skills by learning to play piano, writing music, and learning music production.

Alencia received her degree in Music Business from Bradley University. While there she was a member of the Bradley Chorale, Chamber Singers and Community Chorus. As a member of the Bradley Chorale, Alencia was chosen to perform backup for the internationally acclaimed Barry Manilow and is grateful for the opportunity she had to tour overseas in Denmark and Norway.

As a solo performer, Alencia won the Bradley University Concerto Aria competition and was selected to perform an excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah” and Bizet’s “Habenera”, from the opera “Carmen,” with the Bradley Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, Alencia has collaborated with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago as a part of their virtual season. First as a part of choreographer Rena Butler’s “A Tale of Two” performing an original song. In 2021, she completed her second collaboration with Hubbard street performing “End of the World” originally by Skeeter Davis as a part of the film titled “Ended When” by Robyn Mineko Williams. The film went on to be recognized nationally receiving many accolades.

Alencia's music is an amalgamation of colors and timbres from r&b, jazz, classical and neo-soul. Her love for writing poetry drives the lyrical intensity of her songs. Alencia's music tackles complex topics from societal division to unrequited love. Her song "Black Butterfly," about the challenges faced by black people in America was sung and toured by Chicago Children's Choir. She is influenced by artists such as India.Arie, and Corrine Bailey Rae. You can find Alencia’s single “Sleeping all year” on all music streaming platforms.