Giants Exist Amongst Us

And I am not referring to fantasy tales, or sci-fi adventures, novellas, or even graphic novels. I am talking about those real life people whose dreams, desires, perseverance and accomplishments chart new pathways and inspire others to become greater then how they see themselves in the moment. And in the sphere of creativity and the arts, there are prime examples.  Now, it is easy to single out nationally known or global artistic influencers, but the giants I am referring to exist locally in our communities and regions.  Our task is to support and recognize those dynamic people who exist across several genres of creative thoughts through their involvement in the “arts.”  

The 4th annual aaduna fundraiser “In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance: Creative Journeys and Interpretations to Keep the Renaissance Alive, 2018” will feature the “giants” I am talking about. 

You do not want to miss Vanessa Johnson and Doug Curry.

It is that simple.

Vanessa Johnson (photo provided)

Johnson is a tour de force of creativity that drives her to influence poetry, prose, fiber arts, music and theater, and I am may be downplaying her expertise. From speaking engagements to exhibitions, readings to performance, teaching to public speaking, Vanessa brings her unique savior faire to stretch the boundaries of creative endeavors.  For the aaduna event, she will bring her Harlem Renaissance influenced poetry and spirit of legacy to pay homage to the literary giants who came before her.  Accompanied by pianist Bernie Williford, her readings will be an event you do not want to miss.

So, back in the days of the Renaissance, there were “bad-a__ed dudes” whose swagger, coolness, intellect, street smarts, and ability to weave and intersect the intricacies of language established them as pillars of the community, and if those men were creative artists, the coolness factor went through the roof.  Now, we know that style and ambiance has been maintained in the African American community over decades.  And a person who exemplifies that sense of intellect, style and boldness of creative thought is Doug Curry.

Doug Curry (photo provided)

Curry performed at last year’s fundraiser and raised the roof with his urbanity of style and manifestation of his Blues background.  An on-air radio personality, his Blues program has been exploring facets of that pivotal musical genre for decades, and his delivery of poetic words are drenched in that Blues flava.  We had to bring him back for this year’s iteration of the fundraiser!

So, what are YOU to do? Well…that is simple.

Thursday, May 24^th at the Carriage House Theater, Cayuga Museum of History located at 203 Genesee Street in Auburn, NY with live music by Joe Whiting and Terry Quill starting at 6:15 PM and doors opening at 6 PM. Featured readers kick-off at 7. Cash bar featuring beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks will be available.  Johnson and Curry will be joined by Howard Nelson, Karen Faris, and Charles SeaBe Banks.

This fundraiser will be “A Festive Party with Words and Music!”    

Advance tickets $20/person. Use Pay Pal. Tickets at the door will be $25/person and cash only.

This event is sponsored by aaduna, Inc. a NYS non-profit corporation, 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization staffed by volunteers. It publishes aaduna, a thrice yearly exclusively on-line multi-cultural literary and visual arts journal available at www.aaduna.org

This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

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While a distinct and separate event, this fundraiser is part of the Cayuga Museum, Olive Trees and aaduna “word, revisited” initiative that brings a bi-monthly literary series to the larger community.  

aaduna - an online adventure with words and images - a globally read, multi-cultural, and diverse online literary and visual arts journal established in 2010.  Visit us at www.aaduna.org where we put measurable actions to our words.

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