CreativeXchange

In Collaboration With

Children of Africa

Creative Xchange is proud to partner with Educ' Aid Africa for a series of live-streams. Educ' Aid Africa aims to support education in Benin by helping schools in need. Their first project is to help a primary school from a coastal village facing struggles such as nutrition and health but also supplying adequate equipment. We invite you to watch the short film of the project “Chœur du Bénin” for a better understanding of the issues this school is facing: t.ly/PRzn.

Educ' Aid Africa wants to provide music education for children in Benin as it is nonexistent in the country. We believe the developmental benefits of the creative process, exploring and experimenting with music go beyond basic education in areas such as confidence and teamwork.

Performing for this initiative is Mary Cross.

There are few artists who are the very definition of a generational talent. Mary Cross is one of them...from smooth Jazz to Classic Soul & RNB her voice takes you on a journey. Whether on repeat or the next song on the playlist…sit back, relax, listen and believe the lyrics she utters in a personal serenade that is meant exclusively for the listener...

Mary is quick to share that she enjoys the music and vocals of such artists as: Nina Simone, Oleta Adams, Gladys Knight, Burt Bacharach, Lizz Wright and many more.

This highly sought-after independent artist with a unique, instantly identifiable contralto vocal instrument is described by some as ‘the Mother of Cool Smoke’.

Mary is back to celebrate LOVE with her Sophomore ballad release entitled: ‘PROMISE’ -- which does not fail 2INSPIRE and bring JOY to listeners. This highly anticipated single was released on January 8, 2021 and the Official Music Video premiered January 15th.

Mary’s musical influence began when introduced to the music of Phyllis Linda Hyman and Nancy Wilson. The impression was not only their beautiful, iconic voices but the elegant attire they wore on stage while engaging audiences. Such great women of song solidified Mary’s commitment to create INSPIRING music.

Fresh off her debut single, In Love, There's A Risk, Mary is back with her highly anticipated single entitled PROMISE’. Captivating from the moment that you press play, it starts off with a lovely piano-led melody and Carl Cox on alto sax accompanied by lush strings. Mary teamed up for a 3rd time, with Philadelphia's own Grammy Nominated Producer Donald Robinson (Rachelle Ferrell, Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Vanessa L. Williams and many other artists).

PROMISE is reminiscent of timeless classic soul music that takes its time to deliver and leaves you yearning for more. Mary rides the melody perfectly bellowing low registry vocal tonalities reminiscent of the late great Phyllis Hyman as she sings on the chorus, "promise to be faithful / promise to be grateful / promise that you love me / always thinking of me." The song is in celebration of EVERY person who ever makes the PROMISE."

Mary’s debut single entitled: 'In Love There's A Risk', was written and produced by Philadelphia's own Grammy Nominated Producer Donald Robinson (Rachelle Ferrell, Nancy Wilson, Phyllis Hyman, Vanessa L. Williams and many other artists). PROMISE also features celebrity saxophonist: Carl Cox (Maysa, Najee, Gerald Veasley, and many more).

Mary’s rich and dynamic vocals consistently deliver show stopping performances across the United States. The NJ-born and raised singer-songwriter takes audiences on a journey, as she masterfully executes renditions of contemporary and old-school Jazz and Classic R&B. She has opened for Eban Brown, former voice of the Stylistics, Chris Thomas (The Mayor) Comedy Showcase, ‘Luther Relives’ William Smooth Wardlaw and many more.

Mary believes 2021 is the preparation of our ‘Rise from the Phoenix’ in hope of the great opportunities for businesses, venues, artists and music lovers worldwide (post covid). More than ever, the earth and its inhabitants need love- for tragically, human contact has been limited due to the pandemic.

The 2021 Love Project includes songs written and produced by a variety of writers and producers including Israeli Composer Misha Segal.

January 2021 ‘Promise’ available on all major platforms and continues to be played domestically and abroad. For more information, please visit www.marycross.org, marycrossmusic@gmail.com.

In addition to PROMISE hitting #1 on Amazon UK Hot New Releases, she has charted on a number of charts (UK Soul Chart, Urban Influencers Soul & RnB Charts, Teerexradioteerex, ACXIT and so many more. February, she will be featured once again featured in a Frontrunner editorial.

The annual Tri State Black History Awards will be honoring Mary Cross and with Guest of Honor Melba Moore on February 27th 2020 in Atlantic City, New Jersey with Angela Burton, hosting.

February 14th she is hosting and performing a virtual Valentine's Day concert. This production will include a segment from her new podcast called: Matters of the Heart. She will be chatting with three special guests during the concert including: Celebrity Saxophonist Carl Cox (featured on her new single); Cleveland P. Jones, Producer, Singer, Songwriter; and Tanqueray Hayward - the Queen of Philadelphia who will be releasing her album in March, 2021!!

100% of the proceeds from this live stream will go to support Educ’ Aid Africa and its projects. To learn more about Educ’ Aid Africa, please visit https://www.aid-africa.org/