Maya Songs, a musical tribute to the poetry of the late Dr. Maya Angelou, is presented on Martin Luther King Day, January 16 at 7 PM, at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery.
Jacob Ming-Trent (The Merry Wives) directs the evening, featuring Aisha de Haas (Caroline, or Change) and Meecah (Hamilton).
The artists are backed by Rachel Handman, Crystal Garner, Garo Yellin, and Jeff Carney on strings with Erica Seguine on piano.
Ray Leslee (Avenue X) has set the late Angelou's poetry to music. Lyrics are used with permission of Caged Bird Legacy.
Angelou’s best-known writings include the first of her seven memoirs, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; the poem she wrote for and recited at President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration in 1993, “On the Pulse of the Morning”; and her two most popular poems, which have become anthems for generations of people of all races: “Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman.”
St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery is located at 131 East 10th Street. Admission is free, although there is a $20 suggested donation.
