Civil Rights Portraits by Daniel Roumain On View at Winter Center Tonight

"Civil Rights Portraits as Democratic Vistas," a special presentation tonight, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m., at the Winter Visual and Performing Arts Center of Millersville University, will feature original music composed and performed by violinist and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain and the highly acclaimed Voxare String Quartet, as well as the word artistry of poet, playwright and novelist Carl Hancock Rux. The Winter Center is located at 60 W. Cottage Avenue, Millersville.

Being presented in conjunction with MU's One Book, One Campus Experience-which this year targeted the book, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," and has lined up arts performances to further discussion related to its themes-the program's music, created by Roumain, draws musical portraits of such iconic civil rights activists as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Maya Angelou. Interspersed with the musical performance of Roumain's compositions by the highly acclaimed Voxare String Quartet-with additional solo violin performances by Roumain-will be readings from actual slave narratives, historic political speeches and Walt Whitman's famous 1871 essay, "Democratic Vistas," with poet, singer and spoken-word artist Carl Hancock Rux also offering his original, creative response to the meaning of the Civil Rights movement as an embodiment of historic, pervasive and universal truths-ever changing and challenging societies from within.

Known for incorporating the community in his performances, Roumain will have local singer/songwriter/violinist Robin Chambers, columnist Penny Wrenn, and Millersville University students open for his Friday night performance. Robin is a familiar figure on the Lancaster music scene having performed since 1979 with such bands as Gypsy Bleu, Modern Icons, The Wayfarer Experiment, Lavacave and others, as well as in collaboration with many other musicians on stages and studios, for albums, motion picture sound tracks, commercials and just plain fun. She most recently appeared at the Ware Center in 36 DRAMATIC SITUATIONS (Part 2). Harlem-based writer Penny Wrenn will also perform with Roumain. Wrenn will also take center stage at the Ware Center on November 23 for her new work, "Pretty for a Black Girl". Wrenn's work has appeared in such magazines as Esquire, Essence, Glamour, Redbook, and O, The Oprah Magazine. She has appeared on television and radio programs, including Good Morning America, The Today Show, Fox News, The Gayle King Show, and XM Radio.

"Civil Rights Portraits as Democratic Vistas" is open the public. Tickets, $15 general admission, $12 for seniors, and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ArtsMU.com or by calling the Ticket Office at Millersville University, 717-871-7600, or the Ware Center, 717-871-7018. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Ticket Office, located in the Student Memorial Center on the MU campus, or at front desk of the Ware Center, 42 N. Prince Street, Lancaster.

The Arts at Millersville University is sponsored by Season Partner, Rodgers & Associates and Season Sponsors include: Aussie & the Fox, Clipper Magazine, Hagelgans & Veronis, Hotel Lancaster, 12:34 Micro Technologies, Ann B. Barshinger, Peggy Neff, Mary S. Burton & Laurent Home, Linda Holman Marcks, Mary Kearns & Jon Walker. Media Sponsors are Fig Lancaster Magazine & Fine Living Lancaster.