Voices of the Delta: An Evening of Chamber Music and Poetry
Celebrating National Poetry Month
April 25, 2026 | 7:00 PM, Memphis, Tennessee
Journey through the rich literary and musical landscape of the Mississippi Delta in this intimate evening that weaves together the powerful voices of regional poets with evocative chamber music inspired by our homeland. Voices of the Delta celebrates the profound artistic heritage that flows through the heart of the American South, where the mighty Mississippi River has nurtured generations of storytellers and musicians.
Experience the raw honesty and beauty of three distinguished Delta writers whose words capture the essence of the Delta Region - Knight, Stuckey, and Stanford
Born in Mississippi and raised in the Delta region, Etheridge Knight's powerful verses about struggle, redemption, and the human spirit carry the deep rhythms and storytelling traditions of his Southern roots. His unflinching exploration of prison, addiction, and healing speaks to universal themes of transformation while maintaining the authentic voice of the Delta experience that shaped his formative years. Another outspoken and pioneering voice in African American literature, Elma Johnson Stuckey, a Mississippi native, illuminates the African American experience in the Delta with grace, strength, and profound insight into family, faith, and community. Frank Stanford is one of Arkansas's visionary poets, whose surreal, mystical verses painted the Delta landscape in bold, unforgettable strokes. His work captures both the beauty and haunting mystery of the rural South.
Musical Landscape
The Horizon Series Chamber Collective Artists will perform works that echo the Delta's musical DNA:
Kamran Ince’s Road to Memphis - A contemporary composer's musical journey through the rhythms and soul of America's blues capital, blending classical sophistication with indigenous musical traditions.
Valerie Coleman’s Red Clay Mississippi Delta - A vivid musical portrait of the region's distinctive landscape, where the red earth tells stories of resilience, heritage, and the enduring power of place.
Dave Grusin’s Memphis Stomp - Jazz-infused solo piano music that captures the infectious energy and improvisational spirit that made Memphis a musical crossroads of the world.
Florence Price’s Moods for flute, clarinet and piano - Intimate chamber music from the pioneering African American composer whose works bridged classical tradition with the folk melodies and spirituals of her Arkansas heritage.
This concert creates a dialogue between literary and musical voices, allowing audiences to experience how both art forms capture the Delta's unique character - its struggles and triumphs, its deep roots and soaring aspirations. Through carefully curated pairings of poetry and music, Voices of the Delta reveals the common threads that connect all artistic expression from this culturally rich region.
The evening unfolds as a journey through different moods and themes - from contemplative reflections on place and identity to celebratory expressions of community and resilience. Each poem and musical work illuminates different facets of the Delta experience, creating a multi-dimensional portrait of a region that has and continues to profoundly shape American culture.
Experience the Delta's Artistic Soul
Join us for this unique celebration where the spoken word meets instrumental music, where historical voices commune with contemporary sounds, and where the spirit of the Delta lives on through the artists who call it home. Whether you're a longtime resident or a newcomer to the region, Voices of the Delta offers a deeper understanding of the artistic forces that continue to flow from this remarkable corner of America.
This concert is presented in celebration of National Poetry Month and is suitable for all ages. Pre-concert discussions and post-performance conversations with participating artists will deepen your appreciation of both the literary and musical selections.
Location: Barth House Episcopal Center, 409 Patterson Street, Memphis, TN. 38111
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: Freewill Offering and Pay-it-Forward Most Welcome!