WE EXIST! is a rallying cry and a reflection on a journey in progress. Transforming evocative songs of protest like  “Mississippi Goddam,” “Trying Times,” “The Danger Zone” and others, the Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet  connects the past and present ,tracing how far we’ve come and how far we’ve yet to go.   Dee Dee Bridgewater’s incomparable vocals and interpretative acumen are at the helm alongside the talents of  musical director and pianist Carmen Staaf (Thelonious Monk Institute Fellow and DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star).   Uplifting young artists is an imperative for Bridgewater. In North America, she features Amina Scott (faculty  member at Loyola University New Orleans and University of New Orleans) and Shirazette Tinnin (professor at Berklee  College of Music), who both take part in The Woodshed Network, Bridgewater’s non-profit for women in jazz. In  Europe, she showcases Rosa Brunello and Evita Polidoro - both talented, in-demand musicians.   WE EXIST! serves as a reminder of the impact of activism and artistry through the inimitable lens of powerful  women.   Dee Dee Bridgewater is an NEA Jazz Master, Memphis Music Hall of Fame Inductee, ASCAP Champion, Doris Duke  Artist, Multiple Grammy® winner, Tony® winner, and more.   The quartet will include:  Dee Dee Bridgewater, bandleader/vocals Carmen Staaf, musical director/piano Amina Scott, bass Shirazette Tinnin, drums Photo by Kimberly M. Wang