Trú Rúts Endeavors | MN Spoken Word Association | Speakeasy Records | Ndimgbe: A Compendium of African Visual Artists | Tehuti: The Art of Spoken Word (Radio Show) | Urban Griots (Radio Show) | Langston Hughes Project | Osiris | cry about a nickel (short film) | since we were a conversation... | Minnesota Movement
• e.g. bailey + Shá Cage produce Philadelphia-based Daughter of the Diaspora's TRANSFORMERS, a spoken word theatre production at Mixed Blood
In honor of Women's History month, Trú Rúts is pleased to present the East-coast based Daughters of the Diaspora (Davina Stewart, Felicia Webster and Monica McIntyre), a spoken collective. Daughers will feature their spoken word theatre production, TRANSFORMERS, at Mixed Blood Theatre company. TRANFORMERS utilizes spoken, theatre, movement and ritual, to illuminate a journey to find "my purpose in life." March 24th - 28th | Mixed Blood Theatre | Wednesday - Saturday (8pm shows); Sunday (2pm show) and 2pm matinee show on Saturday | $12 | www.truruts.com or info@truruts.com | Ticket Reservation 612-338-6131.
• e.g. bailey, Shá Cage + Mimi Girma curate Ujima: Continuing the Spirit of Ndimgbe exhibit
Spirit of the Ndimgbe African artist exhibit continues with a new exhibit at the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, entitled Ujima: continuing the spirit of Ndimgbe. Trú Rúts collaborates with gallery owner and community activist, Mimi Girma (of Ethiopia) to create Ujima––Swahili for collective work and responsibility––in their efforts to develop more opportunities for African visual artists. Ujima will feature new works from artists from the Ndimgbe African artist exhibit, and also new African visual artists not featured in the Ndimgbe exhibit, including Aziz Osman, Shola Aina, John Olympio and William Cummins. The exhibit will also feature works by Girum Haile, Getachew Seyoum, Koffi Mbairamadji, Naplah E. Naplah, John Adesiji, Tanaegh Haddad, Constant Kpami, and Chudi Igbanugo. Opening Reception | Thursday | March 4th | 4:30 - 7:00pm | Twin Cities Habitat for Humanities Offices | 3001 Fourth Street SE (One block off of University Avenue and 30th) | For more information contact: info@truruts.com | For viewing hours contact 612-331-4090
• e.g. to play role of Tehuti in Pangea World Theatre's "Osiris"
Pangea World Theater and the Playwrights' Center present Meena Natarajan's new adaptation of the ancient Egytian myth of Osiris. Osiris was the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld and judge of the dead. He was often associated with fertility and its sources, the Nile and the Sun. He was revived by Isis after being killed by his brother Seth, symbolizimg the yearly renewal of the natural world. Combining music, movement, poetry, and striking visuals, the play illuminates the heroic journey of Queen Isis as she sets out on a mission to find the body of her murdered husband, and avenge his death. e.g. plays the role of Tehuti, the god of wisdom and spoken language. The production also features Shá Cage, Jodi Kellogg, Avi Etionzi, Alberto Panelli, Amirali Raissnia and Hlee Vang, with set design by Ta-Coumba Aiken, lighting design by Mike Wangan, and costume design by Faye Fisher-Ward. Opens Saturday March 20th | Runs March 20th - April 11th | Thursdays - Saturdays 8pm | Sundays 2pm | Post-play discussions will follow Friday and Saturday performances | Box Office 612-203-1088 | $10-15 Tickets | The Playwright Center | 2301 E. Franklin Avenue | Minneapolis, MN 55406 | For more information go to: www.pangeaworldtheater.org.
• e.g. + Shá Cage in Austin, TX for Zell Miller III Showcase at South by Southwest Music Festival
Zell Miller III, hot of the release of his new album will be featured at the South by Southwest Music Festival in March, in Austin, TX. He will be sharing a a stage with such artist as Corey Harris, Andrew Bird (from Righteous Babe Records | Ani DiFanco's label) and others. The performance will re-team Zell with Kitundu, who worked with Zell on the critically-acclaimed Spoken Word + Hip Hop theatre production, The Evidence of Silence Broken. It will also include Xenogia's guitarist, Buddy Cannon, and others. The performance will take place March 19th at the Whole in the Wall, near UT's campus, at 9:00pm. Link to www.truruts.com or www.sxsw.com for more information.
• Langston Hughes Project at Warner Grand Theatre in L.A., featuring special guests Marla Gibbs and Dick Anthony Williams
As part of the City's 2004 African American Heritage Month Celebration, the Cultural Affairs Department presents "Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz", a multi-media concert based on a poetic masterwork by poet/playwright Langston Hughes, and performed by the Langston Hughes Project. This performance will feature special guest artists––award-winning actors Marla Gibbs ("The Jeffersons", "227") and Dick Anthony Williams ("The Anderson Tapes", "That's Life"). The multi-media performances includes a blend of spoken word, jazz and video images. The Langston Hughes Project features Dr. John Wright, spoken word (Prof. Afro-American and African Studies, and English, U of M); Ron McCurdy, trumpet + flute (Prof. Jazz Studies, USC); Eli Brugerman, piano (LA); Dan Lutz, bass (LA); Rob Perkins, drums (NY); e.g. bailey, videography (Interdisciplinary artist, Mpls, MN). Friday February 27th | Warner Grand Theatre | San Pedro | Tickets 310-671-6400 | For more information contact info@egbailey.com or www.ronmccurdy.com
• Langston Hughes Project at John Michael Kohler Art Center
The acclaimed John Michael Kohler Art Center presents the Langston Hughes Project for two days of workshops, lecture demonstrations and performances. This multi-media performance of Langston Hughes last epic work features a live jazz performance combined seamlessly with spoken word and video images. This touring production has been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Walker Art Center, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, the 100th birthday celebration of Langston Hughes at the University of Kansas and more. February 17th - 18th | John Michael Kohler Arts Center | 608 New York Avenue | Sheboygan | www.jmkac.org
• e.g. chosen as Community Liason for MN State Arts Board's Cultural Communit Partnership Grants
e.g. is one of four community liasons members chosen to work with MSAB's program officer in her work with communities of color. MN State Arts Board has launched a new program, designed to enhance the artistic and career development of artists of color, the Cultural Community Partnership Programs. The grants support collaborative projects between two individual artists, or between an artist and an organization. Grants range from $1000 - $5000, with $100,000 in grants available. Application deadline: Friday, March 19, 2004. For more information and questions, email info@egbailey.com or info@truruts.com. For application forms, link to: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/cultural_community_partnership.htm.
• e.g. receives Forecast Public Arts Grant
Interdisciplinary artist e.g. bailey receives a Forecast Pulic Arts Research + Development grant for an outdoor video installation on Block E, which will incorporate spoken word, film and text, and address issues facing immigrant communities. Other Research + Development grant winners include Mai Neng Moua, Mankwe Ndosi and Troy Zaushny; and the Public Project grant winners include Bart Buch, Sara Hanson, Peter Haakon Thompson, and Randy Walker. For more information contact info@egbailey.com.
• e.g. receives SASE/Jerome's VERVE spoken word grant.
In addition to being a spoken word performer, producer and historian, e.g. has been documenting the spoken word community in Minnesota since 1996 via audio and video recordings. He has received funding to initiate a long-standing goal of creating a documentary on spoken word and the spoken word community in Minnesota, through a historical lens. The project is currently in pre-production. Email info@egbailey.com or info@truruts.com if you want to participate, tell your story, provide archival materials and documentation, volunteer or stay updated on the project.
• e.g. + Shá Cage Executive Produce Zell Miller III's Evidence of Silence Broken (version poetic) CD
The fiery new album from rising spoken word artist Zell Miller is now available. A dynamic fusion of spoken word + hip hop, Evidence is a jouney through childhood memories, family drama and struggle. From the heart of Austin come words that blaze through your mind, opening you up to new perspectives. Tongue Magazine says it best about Zell and his work, "His work reflects the ancestor storytelling and carries the rhythms of a hip hop version of Sekou Sundiata, or an Amiri Baraka."
• e.g. selected for J. Otis Powell! and Pangea World Theater's Bridges Program
Poet + philosopher J. Otis Powell!, in association with Pangea World Theater, have assembled 15 artists from a variety of cultures and disciplines, from the Twin Cities and Chicago, to create a series of new works for theater, including events, panels and workshops. Through the Bridges project, 3 productions will be produce between Fall 2004 and Winter 2005. Other Bridges participants include Shá Cage, Laurie Carlos, Rene Ford, Bill Cottman, Juliana Pegues (Mama Mosaic + Guerilla Wordfare), Hlee Vang, Anida Esguerra (of i was born with two tongues + Mango Tribe) and others. For more information link to: www.pangeaworldtheater.org
• e.g. + Shá Cage curate Ndimgbe: A Compendium of African Visual Artists
Trú Rúts Endeavors + Intermedia Arts present Ndimgbe: A Compendium of African Visual Arts in Minnesota. The exhibit, the first of its kind, showcases 17 African-born artists living in Minnesota, working in a variety of mediums. The exhibits runs from Dec. 11th - April 18th at Intermedia Arts. Curated by e.g. bailey and Shá Cage, with consultation by Ta-Coumba Aiken, Mimi Girma, Seitu Jones and others. The exhibit will feature panel discussions, workshops, and opening and closing night performances, featuring African musicians, poets and spoken word artists. Ndimgbe is part of Intermedia Arts' Immigrant Status program. Co-sponsored by KFAI Fresh Air Radio + nextainment.com
• To purchase works by e.g. bailey, Shá Cage, and others, go to www.truruts.com or the Trú Rúts Merch Page
• To reach e.g. or remain updated on projects and performances contact: info@egbailey.com or info@truruts.com
ON-GOING PROJECTS
• Spoken Word consultant for InRadio music compilation
a bi-montly compilation that features independent artists and labels. For more information about InRadio, or how to be featured, email e.g. at: info@egbailey.com
• Co-host of Tehuti: The Art of Spoken Word radio show | Every Sunday | 11-midnight | KFAI Fresh Air Radio | 90.3FM Mpls • 106.7FM St. Paul | also online at www.kfai.org
• Co-host, engineer + producer of MNSWA's + KMOJ's Urban Griots radio show, featuring spoken word, hip hop + conscious music | Every Friday | Noon-1pm | KMOJ Radio | 89.9FM
• Co-Curator | The Late Nite Series: Non-English Speaking Spoken Here. Working with Founder and Curator Laurie Carlos, e.g. works to showcase performances by emerging artists, and new works by established artists, from around the working, working in various disciplines of theatre, spoken word, music and performance. The Late Nite Series is presented during the Spring and Fall of each year. It has presented works by Carl Hancock Rux, Mike Ladd, Zell Miller III, J. Otis Powell!, Eyedea + Abilities, Diaspora Flow, and many others. For more information about The Late Nite Series, or if you are interested in being considered for Late Nite, please contact: info@egbailey.com.
• Videographer + Editor for The Langston Hughes Project's Ask Your Mama touring production. This project, which has toured around the country, is produced by John Wright + Ron McCurdy. For more information go to www.ronmccurdy.com.
• Founder | Artistic + Executive Director of Trú Rúts Endeavors, an umbrella organization for different artistic endeavors. Founded in 1997, it has produced albums, radio series, theatre productions, art exhibits and more. For more information you can go to www.truruts.com.
• Co-Founder | Artistic + Executive Director of MN Spoken Word Association, a service organization for spoken word artists dedicated to uplifting the spoken word community, and helping to elevate the art form.
• Spoken Word consultant for InRadio music compilation
a bi-montly compilation that features independent artists and labels. For more information about InRadio, or how to be featured, email e.g. at: info@egbailey.com
• Co-host of Tehuti: The Art of Spoken Word radio show | Every Sunday | 11-midnight | KFAI Fresh Air Radio | 90.3FM Mpls • 106.7FM St. Paul | also online at www.kfai.org
• Co-host, engineer + producer of MNSWA's + KMOJ's Urban Griots radio show, featuring spoken word, hip hop + conscious music | Every Friday | Noon-1pm | KMOJ Radio | 89.9FM
• Co-Curator | The Late Nite Series: Non-English Speaking Spoken Here. Working with Founder and Curator Laurie Carlos, e.g. works to showcase performances by emerging artists, and new works by established artists, from around the working, working in various disciplines of theatre, spoken word, music and performance. The Late Nite Series is presented during the Spring and Fall of each year. It has presented works by Carl Hancock Rux, Mike Ladd, Zell Miller III, J. Otis Powell!, Eyedea + Abilities, Diaspora Flow, and many others. For more information about The Late Nite Series, or if you are interested in being considered for Late Nite, please contact: info@egbailey.com.
• Videographer + Editor for The Langston Hughes Project's Ask Your Mama touring production. This project, which has toured around the country, is produced by John Wright + Ron McCurdy. For more information go to www.ronmccurdy.com.
• Founder | Artistic + Executive Director of Trú Rúts Endeavors, an umbrella organization for different artistic endeavors. Founded in 1997, it has produced albums, radio series, theatre productions, art exhibits and more. For more information you can go to www.truruts.com.
• Co-Founder | Artistic + Executive Director of MN Spoken Word Association, a service organization for spoken word artists dedicated to uplifting the spoken word community, and helping to elevate the art form.
Loft/Red Lights & Poetry Tribute Series
(A Community Leader Recognition Series)
No Longer at Ease
Play Production
(Adaptation commissioned by Pangea World Theatre)
village blues (short film)
Bronze Award in Experimental Film
Sarah Lawrence College Film Festival
we were not always missing (poem)
(Published in Drumvoices Millennial Issue)
village blues (short film)
Silver Award in Experimental Film
Worldstaff Houston International Film Festival
LIN Grant (St. Paul Companies)
(To return home to Liberia after 20 years, to document journey and culture)
National Federation of Community Broadcasting (NFCB)
Bronze Reel Award (for Write On RaDio! Literary Radio Program)
Hughes Diop Knight Poetry Award (Annual Black Writer’s Conference)
Elanor Meehan Medal for Literary Merit
University of Notre Dame
