Stay On It: A Block Party with Music, Poetry, Dance, and Art

The Wolfsonian - FIU

April 20, 2023

Kenneth Overton, baritone

Jacomo Bairos, conductor

Ace Anderson, spoken word artist

Eden Marte, piano

Miami Sound Choir

Peter London Global Dance Company

The "Stay On It" program was a collaborative block party that featured a diverse fusion of music, poetry, dance, and art inspired by the work of artist Roberto Lugo. Presented by IlluminArts in collaboration with Florida International University, the event was free and open to the public. The performance lineup included an array of traditional work songs, folk pieces, spirituals, and contemporary compositions like Julius Eastman’s title piece Stay On It. These works were brought to life by a prominent lineup of artists, including baritone Kenneth Overton, conductor Jacomo Bairos, spoken word artist Ace Anderson, and pianist Eden Marte, alongside the Miami Sound Choir and the Peter London Global Dance Company.

Friday: We had a time

Oolite Arts

March 5, 2023

Chris Friday, Visual Artist

Aundi Marie Moore, Soprano

Florida Memorial University Ambassador

Chorale

Kevin Wayne Bumpers, Piano

Aaron Merritt, Cello

Organized in collaboration with Oolite Arts, the event featured a curated musical lineup that included traditional spirituals, theme songs, and contemporary arrangements. Featured performances were delivered by soprano Aundi Marie Moore, pianist Kevin Wayne Bumpers, cellist Aaron Merritt, and the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale under the direction of Dr. Argarita Johnson-Palavicini. The production integrated the visual arts curation of Laura Novoa and the work of multidisciplinary artist Chris Friday, aligning with IlluminArts' mission to pair site-specific music programs with contemporary art exhibitions to engage the community and highlight social issues.