FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb 5, 2026

Black History Month Love Experience: Vienna Carroll & The Folk Return to The Bitter End

Friday, February 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM

Joyous, Genre-Bending Celebration of Funky Black Folk music and storytelling

New York, NY — Vienna Carroll & The Folk return to the legendary Bitter End on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM, to serve up a toe-tapping good time with a vintage gospel-funk groove in the spirit of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

Backed by an all-star lineup of veteran musicians, Carroll delivers a joyful blend of blues, gospel, funk, and folk with politically-charged storytelling and an electrifying stage presence. Her music is deeply rooted in Black history while remaining boldly relevant and forward-looking.

The Folk features:

• Keith Johnston (Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Jon Hendricks) – guitar
• Stanley Banks (George Benson) – bass
• Washboard XT / Newman Taylor Baker (Matthew Shipp, McCoy Tyner, Henry Grimes) – washboard
• Special guest David Joyce – trumpet

As New York Music Daily notes, Carroll is known for “politically-charged reinventions of classic blues and gospel themes,” while Neon Jazz host Joe Dimino calls her a “Harlem-based vocal powerhouse.”

Tickets: $20, available now at bitterend.com
Seating is limited; early arrival is encouraged.

Venue:
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street
New York, NY

Event Details:
Friday, February 20, 2026
6:30 PM | Doors open at 6:00 PM

PRESS RELEASE

Media & Press Inquiries:
viennacarrollmusic@gmail.com | 646-763-4587

Press Kit:

viennacarrollmusic.com/press-kit

60 second clip of This Train Is Bound For Glory

https://youtu.be/hk5xZ01LVCk Watch the previous show!

8 pm
Kismat Indian Restaurant
603 Fort Washington Ave., New York, NY
At 187th St. and Fort Washington Ave.
Take A train to 181st Street stop (get out in front, 184 St. & walk north 3 blocks)
Get directions

Great food. Full Bar. Friendly service.

8 pm
Kismat Indian Restaurant
603 Fort Washington Ave., New York, NY
At 187th St. and Fort Washington Ave.
Take A train to 181st Street stop (get out in front, 184 St. & walk north 3 blocks)
Get directions

Great food. Full Bar. Friendly service.

Tsion Cafe
763 St. Nicholas @ 148th Street
Harlem, New York
A, B, C, D to 145 St.
http://tsioncafe.com

This most fabulous spot in beautiful Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, is perfect for an end of the week cocktail and jazz. A restored carriage house – by Bette Midler! – with a friendly
wait staff and great food and drinks selection. Join us! Check out the Heather Garden on your way in. No cover. Free parking. Take the [express] A train.

New Leaf Restaurant
1 Margaret Corbin Drive, New York, NY 10040
(212) 568-5323

Directions:
• Take the A to 190th Street (and Ft. Washington Ave.)– it is at the park entrance
and a short walk to the New Leaf.
• M4 bus goes into park. M98 Express bus goes to park entrance at 190 St. & Ft. Washington Ave.
• Easy walk from Broadway from 190 Street (take subway tunnel connecting Bennett & Ft. Washington Aves.)
• There is also an car exit for the park off the Henry Hudson Parkway & parking across street

Map to New Leaf Restaurant

New Leaf Restaurant & Bar

Vienna Carroll and Michael Howell
Saturday, October 15, 2016.  8pm
Tsion Cafe, 763 Saint Nicholas Avenue, Harlem  212-234-2070
A, B, C, D to 145th St    M3, bus

Great Music, Honey Wine, Ethiopian Food
tsioncafe.com

Vienna Carroll and Keith Johnston
Friday, September 16, 2016.  8pm
Tsion Cafe
763 Saint Nicholas Avenue, Harlem  212-234-2070
A, B, C, D to 145th St    M3, bus

Honey Wine, Great Ethiopian Food
Roots Music
tsioncafe.com

Sunday October 16, 1 & 3pm
Mr Lincoln in Peekskill – Members from The Hills’ Methodist-Episcopal Zion Church of Colored People attend President Lincoln’s Peekskill appearance.

Family Day at the Hudson River Museum – Free

Hudson River Museum (hrm.org)
511 Warburton Avenue
Yonkers, NY

Metro North to Glenwood, a short walk or Metro North to Yonkers, a short ride

Thank you to Dr Edythe Ann Quinn for bringing The Hills community ancestors out of the shadows through her book Freedom  Journey: Black Civil War Soldiers and The Hills Community, Westchester County, New York.  2005,  SUNY Press.

Vienna Carroll and Bruce Edwards
Friday, July 1, 2016.  8pm
Tsion Cafe, 763 Saint Nicholas Avenue, Harlem  212-234-2070
A, B, C, D to 145th St    M3, bus

Art Reception
Honey Wine, Ethiopian Food
tsioncafe.com