Sharon Udoh

A central Ohio treasure who’s poised for greatness, singer, keyboardist, and songwriter Sharon Udoh combines vocals that seemingly erupt from the center of the earth with a stage presence that somehow feels both dangerous and kind. 

Ever generous with her gifts, Udoh’s performed with a wide variety of bands in the Columbus music scene. With her own rock ‘n’ roll group, Counterfeit Madison, she has released two albums and created the 2017 performance Counterfeit Madison Meets Nina Simone: A Celebration of Blackness. The band’s most recent album, 2017’s Opposable Thumbs, launched with a sold-out release party at the Wexner Center. The disc reaffirmed the relevance of her storytelling and searing musicality, and her appearance in another Wex-supported project—a theatrical version of Joan Didion’s “The White Album” by director Lars Jan—showcased her talent at such prestigious venues as the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA.

Udoh’s residency work will incorporate several elements, including a music video and release party for Counterfeit Madison’s upcoming album and an Aretha Franklin tribute concert, created in collaboration with Columbus performer DJ Moxy. She’ll also curate a music bill for performances by choreographer and dancer nora chipaumire at the Wex in fall 2019.

Counterfeit Madison, photo: Kate Sweeney.