The Table Sessions: Talie
PREMIERED NOVEMBER 16 - 17, 2023
BARTRAM’S GARDEN • 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Through a singular blending of Haitian folk music and American soul, Nathalie ‘Talie’ Cerin shines light on the universal longing to take root. She is joined on this wholehearted exploration of what it means to find home by fellow Haitian American musician Mervin Toussaint. Each evening, and together with their band, guitar, saxophone, and sparkling vocals blend together in an intimate supper-club atmosphere celebrating that hope. In addition to an evening of beautiful music, enjoy a meal from Chef Faye Saintus of Gou Restaurant as part of the event.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
photo by Naomieh Jovin
Talie (Nathalie Cerin) is a Philadelphia based singer-songwriter, podcast host and writer originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Her music, a mixture of Haitian folk and soul music, is a testament to the two cultures that have shaped her as an artist and woman. Accompanied by her trusty guitar, Talie sings to honor a rich and difficult past and to present hopeful visions for the future for anyone searching for peace. In 2019, Talie released Solèy Midi, a twinkling collection of original compositions and Haitian folk songs chronicling a journey to find the sun. Solèy Midi is available on all major music purchasing and streaming platforms.
Talie is also chief editor for Woy Magazine, an online platform that seeks to be a meeting place for Haitians in Haiti and abroad. Woy's content is available in Kreyòl and English, and explores history, politics, and arts through its blog, weekly newsletter, and podcast.
photo by Naomieh Jovin
Mervin Toussaint is a saxophonist and composer making waves as both a performer and educator in the Philadelphia area. A Haitian American, Toussaint grew up in the Haitian church which provided an important incubator for his musical voice. Since moving to Philadelphia in 2016 Mervin has embraced the musical influences around him including Jazz, RnB, Neo-soul, and other contemporary styles into his own voice. He has presented his music as a leader in a wide array of venues and spaces, including South Jazz Kitchen, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Paris Bistro, and the MAAS building. He has also performed as a soloist at a variety of churches, including the historical Tindley Temple United Methodist Church. As a side musician, Mervin collaborates with rappers, poets, and spoken word artists and incorporates those mediums into his original compositions; his five-song debut EP, Another Name for Everything reflects his diverse musical language and creates a beautiful preamble to his first full-length release in the fall of 2022. Mervin serves as the Branch Coordinator of Settlement Music School’s Germantown branch.
Find Mervin on Instagram & on www.mervintoussaint.com.
What is a Table Session?
It's a gathering. A place of exchange. A time to be still and listen or get up and dance. To eat delicious food. To connect with other people about art, food, and life. Intercultural Journeys brings artists and audiences around the table to share a performance, meal, and conversation as we work to rekindle our connections to one another.
Lead support for The Table Sessions is provided by the William Penn Foundation.