Poetry Electric: Reflections of History

Levern Williams, known as Levern “the Entertainer” Williams, a versatile performing artist/Jazz stylist; has been compared to Nat King Cole. Levern flaunts a unique, exuberant style that is undoubtedly his own which energizes and captures his audience. As a humanitarian, Levern finds time to develop and instruct creative arts programs to New York City seniors and youth by using creative arts as alternative education. Levern continues to dedicate time, towards his first love, performing songs by the great balladers of Jazz. Levern often found his way to the clubs of Harlem, where his exposure to the music of Nat King Cole, Johnny Hartman and Lou Rawls started. During his college years Levern worked with Madame Leon Tyne Price & Leonard Bernstein, at the Metropolitan Opera House, as well as, the late Dr. Billy Taylor one of the founders of the Jazzmobile. Additionally, making his Broadway debut with Ms. Katheline Battle at the Palace Theater in New York City. Levern’s performance repertoire includes: appearances at Symphony Space ThaliaTheater NYC, Jazz at the Crypt Church of the Intercession NYC, Cleopatra’s Needle-NYC, St.Stephen’s United Methodist Church (Wednesday noon time Jazz & the Word), Londel’s Restaurant and super Club-NYC and La MaMa; and, toured internationally with stops in Western Africa (inter- continental Hotels); Paris, France (Inter-continental Hotels); South America, México, Panamá and Brazil.

Dr. Melissa M. Freeman is a 91-year-old medical doctor who is on the front lines in the fight against the opioid epidemic. Freeman finished medical school in 1955 and has practiced medicine since 1961. The Bronx native is also the granddaughter of a slave in Virginia. Her maternal grandfather, Albert B. Walker, was separated from his mother at the age of 7. When the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, he was told he could return to his mother. Her grandfather later moved north to New York City, where Dr. Freeman's parents eventually bought the home she where grew up in the Willamsbridge section of the Bronx.

Joe Dell Hutcheson is an American singer, actress, model and dancer who has appeared in numerous productions within the United States and abroad. Two of the most noted productions were, In the Mood with LeVern and Joe and Langston Hughes Montage, a two man show performed with LeVern Williams. Ms. Hutcheson has also performed in various presentations On and Off Broadway throughout the years. Answering the call from God she became the Founder/Director of Praise Movement Dance Dramatization, which has impacted many lives through the ministry of dance. Ms. Hutcheson believes through it all ministering for God's honor and glory to this dying and lost world is the most important gift.

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