[New York, NY 10002]

A Tribute to Steve Cannon
September 6, 2019, 6:30 pm
at Clemente Flamboyan Theater

An iconoclastic mainstay in the Lower East Side, Cannon was known for opening his apartment as a gathering space for poets, artists, musicians, and people from all walks of life. He served as a mentor to many young artists and provided space and visibility for all generations of creatives. His impact as a literary publisher and artistic incubator elevated the Lower East Side as a cultural haven. He helped nurture many careers through the founding of his multi-disciplinary arts and culture non-profit, A Gathering of the Tribes, which he started in 1990 with help from visual artist David Hammons and writer Ishmael Reed.
​
Cannon was a consistent supporter of Arts for Art, and was a featured performer at the first Vision Festival in 1996 as well as subsequent years. Steve also helped curate the poetry programming at the festival in the early 2000s.

The Sun Ra Arkestra, who will perform a full set on September 6, performed in Cannon’s backyard. Sun Ra used to seek Cannon out to tell him stories about flying around in space. (“If he says he flew into space, then I guess he flew into space,” Cannon said.)

William Parker who will also perform, was presented by Steve Cannon as early as 1985. Over the years, Patricia and William Parker kept in touch with Steve to support each other’s work.
​
A Gathering of the Tribes has curated a group of poets with close ties to Cannon for this event. These include Yuko Otomo, Lydia Cortes, Edwin Torres, Steve Dalachinsky, Anne Waldman, Tracie Morris and Julie Ezelle Patton.  They, like so many of us, owe a debt of gratitude to Steve Cannon.  The City of New York and especially the Lower East Side, has lost a cultural icon.

/

6:30pm Poetry
Yuko Otomo
Lydia Cortez
Edwin Torres
Steve Dalachinsky

7:30pm What It Is
William Parker – bass / Patricia Nicholson Parker – text
James Brandon Lewis – tenor sax / Devin Brahja Waldman – alto sax Melanie Dyer – viola / Val Jeanty – percussion

8:30pm Poetry
Julie Ezelle Patton
Anne Waldman
Tracie Morris w/ Graham Haynes & Elliott Sharp

9:00pm Marshall Allen & The Sun Ra Arkestra

/

$15, advance tickets here