Black August: Music & Poetry with Deszon Claiborne, Tongo Eisen-Martin, Gary Brown

This performance—a collaboration of powerful poetry/spoken word and the improvised music of Deszon X. Claiborne and special guests Tongo Eisen-Martin, San Francisco’s eighth Poet Laureate, and internationally recognized bassist Gary Brown—commemorates “Black August,” which started in San Quentin State Prison to recognize Black political prisoners, Black freedom struggles, and highlight Black resistance against racial, colonial, and imperialist oppression. Through the intersection of music and poetry, the program honors Black Americans killed by hatred or the hands of police throughout history, including Emmett Till (1955), Michael Brown (2015), and Sonia Massey (2024), and rebellions and resistances in the United States and beyond. Featured Artists: Deszon X. Claiborne, percussion Tongo Eisen-Martin, spoken word Gary Brown, bass Thursday, August 15 at 7pm CMC Concert Hall FREE RSVP: https://shenson-series-claiborne.eventbrite.com/ About the Shenson Faculty Concert Series The Shenson Faculty Concert Series returns this summer with free concerts spotlighting CMC’s talented faculty members. Each year, the Shenson Foundation sponsors free community concerts for musical projects to support CMC faculty as performing artists and ensure their work on stage is shared and celebrated in our community. This year’s accomplished presenters will highlight a wide variety of musical styles, techniques, and creative inspirations—from jazz to classical to folk traditions, original compositions, and music as a tool for social justice and historical and cultural reflection.

Event Links

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2581028-0

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