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Renowned Black, Haitian American composer, violinist, and activist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest project, "E C H O E S" co-presented by Portland Ovations and Indigo Arts Alliance. Spanning from February to May 2024, this celebratory endeavor will culminate in a day of community programs and an outdoor public performance at the historic Abyssinian Meeting House. This is DBR’s fourth collaboration with Portland Ovations since 2009. "E C H O E S" is a site-responsive composition project that endeavors to encapsulate the breath, sorrow, and beauty of Portland, Maine's intricate history and its relationship with its Black community. With the iconic Abyssinian Meeting House as the focal point, DBR will unveil an original work, inviting local artists from diverse disciplines to remix and respond to the piece.
At its core, "E C H O E S" delves into a nuanced exploration of Black history, ownership, equity, and joy. DBR leverages his violin and scores as instruments of change, seeking resonance and fostering collaboration. The project aims to create a deeply personal and collaborative experience, inviting marginalized communities to participate authentically and hold space for one another.
As envisioned, multiple sites of significance to Portland’s Black community will be activated concurrently during the afternoon of May 11, 2024 for three hours: the Eastern Cemetery, Indigo Arts Alliance, and one additional site, to be confirmed. The “activation” of these sites, which offer a sample representation of the past, present, and future of Black life in Portland, will be conceived and executed by the respective partners to tell the story of their site and their organization. Audiences will be invited to enjoy a self-guided, self-paced afternoon of engagement activities.
The day will culminate in an evening performance, created by and featuring DBR and his selected collaborators, including former Indigo Arts Alliance Artists-in-Residence Moon Machar (’20) and Brian J. Evans (’22), at the Abyssinian Meeting House, a site which—by virtue of its rich history, ongoing renovations, and forward-looking mission—echoes of the past, present, and future all at once. The performance will be preceded by a block party on Newbury Street, in front of the Abyssinian, offering a space of celebratory gathering for those in attendance. All events associated with ECHOES are free and open to all.
Schedule of Events- Subject to Change
Saturday, May 11
3 – 6 PM
Three partner sites representing the past, present, and future of Black life in Portland invite the public in to share and learn. Audiences may visit each site at their leisure, experiencing the deep roots, forward-looking visions and vibrancy of these community spaces. In addition to one site that is still TBA, our collaborators include:
The Prince Project at The Eastern Cemetery (224 Congress St)
Indigo Arts Alliance (60 Cove St)
6 – 7 PM
Street party pre-performance at the Abyssinian Meeting house in Portland.
7 – 8 PM
Public performance by Daniel Bernard Roumain at the Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland.
https://portlandovations.org/event/daniel-bernard-roumain/
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Abyssinian Meeting House, Portland,ME,United States
