Both concerts can now be viewed on YouTube:
Here is the Saturday link, 7:00pm EDT
Here is the Sunday link, 3:00pm EDT
Download the concert program PDF
The World House Choir will mount its first full concert in over two years on Saturday, May 14th at 7 pm and Sunday, May 15th at 3 pm in the Foundry Theater on the campus of Antioch College. Twelve returned artists* [singers, rap artists, and visual artists] will join World House Choir singers for Solidarity Dividend: Art in Action.
This event will be a musical exploration and celebration of our connections to each other —– inside and outside prison walls and across real and imagined boundaries and differences.
Repertoire includes music of the Civil Rights movement, inspiring gospel music, Hip Hop, and a moving tribute to the children of Ukraine. One recently composed work by Alysia Lee, “Say Her Name,” explores the connection between the creative process and justice all emblematic of what we aim to do in this concert. Also included will be “Ella’s Song,” an audience participation song that never loses its relevance, and John Legend’s “Glory,” a recognition of the continuing struggle for justice.
You will hear songs and raps created by three returned citizens, Guy Banks, Michael Powell, and Montez Mickens. Their music explores the connection between creativity, justice, and gratitude. Our collaborating returned citizens will also sing with the choir and be featured as soloists.
As always, the repertoire of the concert connects the audience to the issues of justice and peace as we continue to build our web of mutuality.
The title of the concert comes from a book by Heather McGee called The Sum of Us: What racism costs everyone and how we can prosper together. Our prospering is the dividend we all receive when we work together.
The concert also includes visual artists Aimee Wissman and Kamisha Thomas, founders of RAG: Returning Artists Guild. Aimee and Kamisha will curate a show of art by returned citizens that will open the night of the concert and be up through the Sunday performance. There will also be a short film hour on Sunday at 1 pm that will screen short films by Aimee and Kamisha, two of which they created while still incarcerated at Dayton Correctional Institution.
Join us as we come together in community to celebrate the musical rewards [the dividends] from singing music that touches all of our lives. Proof of covid vaccination required. Admission is free, donations appreciated.
*formerly incarcerated