Poet Marvin Tate to Perform His Work at McKendree

Music and Poetry in Holman Library on April 16

(LEBANON, Ill., April 8, 2015) - Poet Marvin Tate will perform his work at McKendree University’s Holman Library on April 16 at 4 p.m.

A performance poet, lyricist and visual artist, Tate is the author of “The Amazing Mister Orange,” his second full-length poetry book, published by Curbside Splendor Press. He has appeared on HBO’s “Def Jam Poetry,” on public radio’s “This American Life,” and in various venues around the world. A longtime figure in Chicago’s poetry, art and music scenes, Tate is the founder and ringleader of the funk band D-settlement, which continues to receive critical acclaim after forming in the late nineties. In 2013, Tate collaborated with singer-songwriter Tim Kinsella on a recording project titled “Tim Kinsella Sings the Songs of Marvin Tate with Leroy Bach and Angel Olsen,” released on Joyful Noise Records.

Tate will be joined by musician Aaron Shapiro for his Holman Library performance. A guitarist, composer and bandleader, Shapiro was selected to perform with the prestigious Grammy Jazz Ensemble when he was still in high school. Since then, he has led groups and written over 30 original compositions for a variety of instrumental configurations, including artistic direction of the large ensemble Everypeople Big Band.

Together, Tate and Shapiro have presented performances at numerous venues, including Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the Black Cinema House and the Illinois State University Art Gallery.

“We’re delighted that Tate and Shapiro will visit our campus,” said Jenny Mueller, associate professor of English at McKendree. “Marvin Tate is a wonderful performer and artist. He’s consistently creative and original in everything he does. His writing is full of ironic attention to the details of modern city life, but also deeply empathetic and soulful. McKendree is in for a treat on April 16.”

 

Chicago poet Marvin Tate