Paintings, Poetry, Puccini, and Pasta couples African American classical musicians with penne parmesan

Politics and policy was given back seat to classically trained African American musicians and a plate of pasta. Held on the eve of the Congressional Black Caucus, during an election year, event drew an enthusiastic arts crowd. Designed to pay homage to one of the nation's leading choir conductors, view innovative Black art, and listen to works by the Italian composer, Puccini, performed by African American classical musicians, the avante garde occasion, all took place at under one roof, on one night, at one place.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 9, 2004 -- Never pour new wine into old wineskins -- isnt that the saying? Well thats what the organizers of the Annual "Paintings, Poetry, Puccini, and Pasta", reception wanted to avoid, when they combined the excitement of visual art, the power of spoken word, the passion of classical music, and a delicious bite of pasta, into one event, recently. Joining the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA), was Joyce Duckett, President and a delegation from the National Council Negro Women Prince Georges Section, who were co-sponsors of the artsy occasion. Representatives from COMCAST, public officials from the State of Maryland, Industrial Bank, and many lovers of the arts also joined in the activities, held at Mayorga Café, Silver Spring.

Sponsored by C.A.A.P.A., Inc. (Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, Inc.) an organization dedicated to the cultural outreach, talent development, educational enhancement, and audience awareness of classical music and the performing arts of and for the African American community, the event featured visual artists, poets, and African American classical musicians performing works by the Italian composer, Puccini.

Also on hand, were faculty members from Morgan State University Choir, to join Dr. Eric Conway, Interim Choir Director, in accepting a presentation from CAAPA, in tribute to the legacy of Dr. Nathan Carter. Carter was a tremendous proponent of African Americans in classical music and past Director of Morgan State University Choir in Baltimore. He recently died due to a lengthy illness.

Traditionally held on the eve of the Congressional Black Caucus to attract early CBC attendees who may enjoy a casual evening before the politics begins, the informal reception showcased visual artist Frank Frazier of Dallas, Texas, most noted for his work in mixed media, visual artist Stacey Brown of Atlanta, GA, local artist Wesley Clark, and the Washington, DC based sisterhood of poets Collective Voices (Sistah Joy, Lady Di, and Billye OKera). Among the classically trained musicians, the event also highlighted the talents of Washington National Opera soprano Pamela Simonson and Three Mo Tenors Musical Director, Victor Simonson, with special musical guest-of-honor New York City Opera soprano Kishna Davis, who recently completed Italian and Russian tours. Davis has appeared on international and national stages and frequently appears with Metropolitan Opera soprano Angela Brown, in a concert called, Opera...From a Sistahs Point of View.

CAAPAs programming includes workshops, scholarships, summer institute, and a concert gala in the spring. The upstart organization welcomes new members and invites musicians, arts organizations, chorale groups, orchestras, and lovers of the arts, to request membership applications, by emailing caapa@aol.com or writing CAAPA, P.O. Box 54552, Washington, DC 20032.

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