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MOONSET
SUNRISE
ABOUT
Moonset Sunrise is Collaboraction's 25-year anniversary production. This year's experience is co-created by Pilar Audain, Anthony Moseley and Carla Stillwell. Audain will lead the experience which will feature a six-piece live band and an all-star ensemble of poets/dancers/performers including Collaboraction company members Sandra Delgado and Sir Taylor, as well as AACM President Coco Elysses, and Ugochi Nwaogwugwu. Music Director is Dr. Marcus Robinson, who will lead a live band. The design team includes Emmy Weldon (Scenic Design), Warren Levon (Sound Design), Phoenix Ballentine (Lighting Design) and Razor Wintercastle (Production Manager). Through healing ritual, storytelling, song and dance, Moonset Sunrise honors the sacred moment between the setting full moon and the rising sun–reconciling the past and celebrating our new NOW on the banks of Lake Michigan.
EXPERIENCE
First, the artists and audience will meet outdoors, on the south side of Navy Pier, to join an opening Ancestral libation/ceremonial dance curated by local artists and drummers. This will be followed by a land acknowledgment and ceremonial dance by Jose Rico of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation - Greater Chicago and Susana Banuelos and Aztec Dance Chicago, respectively.
STRAWBERRY MOON AFFAIR
Celebrate the next full moon with Collaboraction at its special benefit performance, Strawberry Moon Affair. The evening will feature a live performance of Moonset Sunrise, along with delicious food and drink by Bar Sol and special guest performers.
THE TEAM
Pilar Audain (Co-Creator & Guide)
Pilar Audain is associate director for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Greater Chicago, housed at The Chicago Community Trust. When one asks Audain how she sees herself within the context of the community, she will immediately respond, “I am a mother, a sister…a soldier on the front lines who creates safe spaces for my people to heal.” As a Veteran of the United States Navy where she served as an Operations Specialist on the USS Haleakala and the USS Mount Hood, her love of details, process, systems and strategy led her to the social service aspect of the health/human sciences.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
Coco Elysses (Musician/Performer)
Coco Elysses, a modern day renaissance woman hails from Robbins, Illinois and is a producer, musician, actress, voice-over artist, screenwriter and poet. She is the second woman Chair of the 56 year old venerable AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians). During their second season, she was a featured musician in the critically claimed FOX drama Empire.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu (Performer)
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu is a multidisciplinary creative, a professional poet and writer, internationally renowned musician, and poetry instructor and founder of Spirit Speaks, Inc. Ugochi has produced, written, and co-arranged three album projects: African Buttafly, A.S.E., and Love Shot. Her poems have been published in Storm Between Two Fingers and Too Young, Too Loud Too Different, both international anthologies released in the United Kingdom. She is also featured in Golden Shovel Anthology, released nationally in the US honoring Gwendolyn Brooks.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Sandra Delgado (Musician/Performer)
Sandra Delgado is a Colombian-American writer, actor, singer and producer born and raised in Chicago. She is best known for her play La Havana Madrid, which enjoyed sold-out runs at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre, and most recently in a co-production with Teatro Vista and Collaboraction. It was featured in the New York Times and CNN, received recognition as one of the best plays of 2017 by New City Chicago and Time Out Chicago, the Time-Out Audience Award for Best New Work, and the Alliance of Latinx Theatre Artists (ALTA) Award for Best Production.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Marcus Robinson (Music Director/Band Leader)
Dr. Robinson is a transformational leader in the fields of Non-Profit management, Talent Development, Corporate Culture, Diversity with Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. He is a seasoned non-profit executive who is adept at project leadership, strategic planning, fund-raising, and leading change that delivers on the vision, mission and purpose of the enterprise. Dr. Marcus now serves as the Co-Director of Enrich Chicago providing Anti-Racism consulting and training in the Chicago arts and culture sector as a catalyst for social change and community transformation.
Susana A. Banuelos
Susana A. Banuelos has been a traditional ceremonial Aztec/Mexica dancer for 29 years. Embracing her Native American heritage has helped her to heal personal and historical trauma and permits her to connect profoundly and spiritually with nature.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
Steven C. Manns Jr.
Steven C Manns Jr , 31 years of age from the south side of Chicago is a Bassist(Electric and upright )of 12 years. He's shared the stage with many great chicago musicians and artist . Genres include a wide range of music from jazz, RnB, gospel , blues etc . He’s also been recorded with many great artist of chicago and surrounding areas . He’s work at venues such as Buddy guys , The Backroom , Kingston Mines , Andys Jazz club , The Jazz showcase ,The velvet lounge , and Untitled supper club . Steven is also apart of the chicago musical and and play scene . He’s worked with the company Provision on “Toomey A Christmas Miracle” and the company Porchlight on the musical “Memphis “. He’s musical influences are Ray brown, Paul chambers , Jaco Pastorious, and James Jamerson. Steven started his musical education at Thornridge Highschool and continued at Northern Illinois University in 2009 in the field of Jazz studies.
Johndavid Provitt
Johndavid Provitt is a Chicago-based trumpeter, session recording artist, producer and graduate of Saint Xavier University. With over ten years of professional performance, Johndavid has immersed himself in various styles of trumpet performance. He performs regularly with both the Illville Vanguard and £rthe St. James + the Erthetones. He has recorded with several bands and artists across different musical idioms around Chicago including classical, alternative rock, RnB and Hip-hop. He's currently working on the premiere of a liturgical composition for brass choir.
James Ramos
James Ramos is a native of Chicago who grew up in the near northwest side community of Humboldt Park. He has devoted his entire adult life serving the residents of Chicago through the public sector. He is a true lover of the Arts. As a youth, he played the violin. And as an adult, he became a professional percussionist and plays a variety of genres such as Tropical, Latin Jazz, R&B, House, Latin Rock, Rock, and other African and Afro-Latino music. He is also a film producer who has produced award-winning short films and music videos.
Pilar Audain (Co-Creator & Guide)
Pilar Audain is associate director for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Greater Chicago, housed at The Chicago Community Trust. When one asks Audain how she sees herself within the context of the community, she will immediately respond, “I am a mother, a sister…a soldier on the front lines who creates safe spaces for my people to heal.” As a Veteran of the United States Navy where she served as an Operations Specialist on the USS Haleakala and the USS Mount Hood, her love of details, process, systems and strategy led her to the social service aspect of the health/human sciences.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
Coco Elysses (Musician/Performer)
Coco Elysses, a modern day renaissance woman hails from Robbins, Illinois and is a producer, musician, actress, voice-over artist, screenwriter and poet. She is the second woman Chair of the 56 year old venerable AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians). During their second season, she was a featured musician in the critically claimed FOX drama Empire.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu (Performer)
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu is a multidisciplinary creative, a professional poet and writer, internationally renowned musician, and poetry instructor and founder of Spirit Speaks, Inc. Ugochi has produced, written, and co-arranged three album projects: African Buttafly, A.S.E., and Love Shot. Her poems have been published in Storm Between Two Fingers and Too Young, Too Loud Too Different, both international anthologies released in the United Kingdom. She is also featured in Golden Shovel Anthology, released nationally in the US honoring Gwendolyn Brooks.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Sandra Delgado (Musician/Performer)
Sandra Delgado is a Colombian-American writer, actor, singer and producer born and raised in Chicago. She is best known for her play La Havana Madrid, which enjoyed sold-out runs at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre, and most recently in a co-production with Teatro Vista and Collaboraction. It was featured in the New York Times and CNN, received recognition as one of the best plays of 2017 by New City Chicago and Time Out Chicago, the Time-Out Audience Award for Best New Work, and the Alliance of Latinx Theatre Artists (ALTA) Award for Best Production.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Marcus Robinson (Music Director/Band Leader)
Dr. Robinson is a transformational leader in the fields of Non-Profit management, Talent Development, Corporate Culture, Diversity with Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. He is a seasoned non-profit executive who is adept at project leadership, strategic planning, fund-raising, and leading change that delivers on the vision, mission and purpose of the enterprise. Dr. Marcus now serves as the Co-Director of Enrich Chicago providing Anti-Racism consulting and training in the Chicago arts and culture sector as a catalyst for social change and community transformation.
Susana A. Banuelos
Susana A. Banuelos has been a traditional ceremonial Aztec/Mexica dancer for 29 years. Embracing her Native American heritage has helped her to heal personal and historical trauma and permits her to connect profoundly and spiritually with nature.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
Steven C. Manns Jr.
Steven C Manns Jr , 31 years of age from the south side of Chicago is a Bassist(Electric and upright )of 12 years. He's shared the stage with many great chicago musicians and artist . Genres include a wide range of music from jazz, RnB, gospel , blues etc . He’s also been recorded with many great artist of chicago and surrounding areas . He’s work at venues such as Buddy guys , The Backroom , Kingston Mines , Andys Jazz club , The Jazz showcase ,The velvet lounge , and Untitled supper club . Steven is also apart of the chicago musical and and play scene . He’s worked with the company Provision on “Toomey A Christmas Miracle” and the company Porchlight on the musical “Memphis “. He’s musical influences are Ray brown, Paul chambers , Jaco Pastorious, and James Jamerson. Steven started his musical education at Thornridge Highschool and continued at Northern Illinois University in 2009 in the field of Jazz studies.
Johndavid Provitt
Johndavid Provitt is a Chicago-based trumpeter, session recording artist, producer and graduate of Saint Xavier University. With over ten years of professional performance, Johndavid has immersed himself in various styles of trumpet performance. He performs regularly with both the Illville Vanguard and £rthe St. James + the Erthetones. He has recorded with several bands and artists across different musical idioms around Chicago including classical, alternative rock, RnB and Hip-hop. He's currently working on the premiere of a liturgical composition for brass choir.
James Ramos
James Ramos is a native of Chicago who grew up in the near northwest side community of Humboldt Park. He has devoted his entire adult life serving the residents of Chicago through the public sector. He is a true lover of the Arts. As a youth, he played the violin. And as an adult, he became a professional percussionist and plays a variety of genres such as Tropical, Latin Jazz, R&B, House, Latin Rock, Rock, and other African and Afro-Latino music. He is also a film producer who has produced award-winning short films and music videos.
Pilar Audain (Co-Creator & Guide)
Pilar Audain is associate director for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Greater Chicago, housed at The Chicago Community Trust. When one asks Audain how she sees herself within the context of the community, she will immediately respond, “I am a mother, a sister…a soldier on the front lines who creates safe spaces for my people to heal.” As a Veteran of the United States Navy where she served as an Operations Specialist on the USS Haleakala and the USS Mount Hood, her love of details, process, systems and strategy led her to the social service aspect of the health/human sciences.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
Coco Elysses (Musician/Performer)
Coco Elysses, a modern day renaissance woman hails from Robbins, Illinois and is a producer, musician, actress, voice-over artist, screenwriter and poet. She is the second woman Chair of the 56 year old venerable AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians). During their second season, she was a featured musician in the critically claimed FOX drama Empire.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu (Performer)
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu is a multidisciplinary creative, a professional poet and writer, internationally renowned musician, and poetry instructor and founder of Spirit Speaks, Inc. Ugochi has produced, written, and co-arranged three album projects: African Buttafly, A.S.E., and Love Shot. Her poems have been published in Storm Between Two Fingers and Too Young, Too Loud Too Different, both international anthologies released in the United Kingdom. She is also featured in Golden Shovel Anthology, released nationally in the US honoring Gwendolyn Brooks.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Sandra Delgado (Musician/Performer)
Sandra Delgado is a Colombian-American writer, actor, singer and producer born and raised in Chicago. She is best known for her play La Havana Madrid, which enjoyed sold-out runs at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre, and most recently in a co-production with Teatro Vista and Collaboraction. It was featured in the New York Times and CNN, received recognition as one of the best plays of 2017 by New City Chicago and Time Out Chicago, the Time-Out Audience Award for Best New Work, and the Alliance of Latinx Theatre Artists (ALTA) Award for Best Production.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Marcus Robinson (Music Director/Band Leader)
Dr. Robinson is a transformational leader in the fields of Non-Profit management, Talent Development, Corporate Culture, Diversity with Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. He is a seasoned non-profit executive who is adept at project leadership, strategic planning, fund-raising, and leading change that delivers on the vision, mission and purpose of the enterprise. Dr. Marcus now serves as the Co-Director of Enrich Chicago providing Anti-Racism consulting and training in the Chicago arts and culture sector as a catalyst for social change and community transformation.
Susana A. Banuelos
Susana A. Banuelos has been a traditional ceremonial Aztec/Mexica dancer for 29 years. Embracing her Native American heritage has helped her to heal personal and historical trauma and permits her to connect profoundly and spiritually with nature.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
Steven C. Manns Jr.
Steven C Manns Jr , 31 years of age from the south side of Chicago is a Bassist(Electric and upright )of 12 years. He's shared the stage with many great chicago musicians and artist . Genres include a wide range of music from jazz, RnB, gospel , blues etc . He’s also been recorded with many great artist of chicago and surrounding areas . He’s work at venues such as Buddy guys , The Backroom , Kingston Mines , Andys Jazz club , The Jazz showcase ,The velvet lounge , and Untitled supper club . Steven is also apart of the chicago musical and and play scene . He’s worked with the company Provision on “Toomey A Christmas Miracle” and the company Porchlight on the musical “Memphis “. He’s musical influences are Ray brown, Paul chambers , Jaco Pastorious, and James Jamerson. Steven started his musical education at Thornridge Highschool and continued at Northern Illinois University in 2009 in the field of Jazz studies.
Johndavid Provitt
Johndavid Provitt is a Chicago-based trumpeter, session recording artist, producer and graduate of Saint Xavier University. With over ten years of professional performance, Johndavid has immersed himself in various styles of trumpet performance. He performs regularly with both the Illville Vanguard and £rthe St. James + the Erthetones. He has recorded with several bands and artists across different musical idioms around Chicago including classical, alternative rock, RnB and Hip-hop. He's currently working on the premiere of a liturgical composition for brass choir.
James Ramos
James Ramos is a native of Chicago who grew up in the near northwest side community of Humboldt Park. He has devoted his entire adult life serving the residents of Chicago through the public sector. He is a true lover of the Arts. As a youth, he played the violin. And as an adult, he became a professional percussionist and plays a variety of genres such as Tropical, Latin Jazz, R&B, House, Latin Rock, Rock, and other African and Afro-Latino music. He is also a film producer who has produced award-winning short films and music videos.
Pilar Audain (Co-Creator & Guide)
Pilar Audain is associate director for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Greater Chicago, housed at The Chicago Community Trust. When one asks Audain how she sees herself within the context of the community, she will immediately respond, “I am a mother, a sister…a soldier on the front lines who creates safe spaces for my people to heal.” As a Veteran of the United States Navy where she served as an Operations Specialist on the USS Haleakala and the USS Mount Hood, her love of details, process, systems and strategy led her to the social service aspect of the health/human sciences.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
For seven years, Audain worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health/CDC as an Infectious Disease Community Epidemiologist. Desiring to have a more hands on healing impact within the community, the next decade took Audain on a magical journey through entrepreneurship; opening a healing shop featured on ABC7’s 190 North and HGTV which led to her being selected to represent Dove-Unilever in the internationally acclaimed “Real Women, Real Beauty” Campaign.
Her signature Gele, or headwrap, was so inspiring to women across the globe that a movement was formed launching Gele Day, an annual celebration of healing for women of color, which led to the launch of Audain’s Chicago-based non-profit organization, Wrap Your beYOUty Movement (WYBM) in 2015.
Through her agency, Audain served as Chief Planner for the Third World Press 50th Anniversary celebration week pushing literacy in the Black community, working with Haki Madhubuti, Nora Brooks, Cornel West, Sonia Sanchez, Haile Gerima, Maulana Karenga and many members of the original Black Arts Movement. In 2018, Audain served as Operations Director for the Amara Enyia mayoral campaign and appears in the historic Chicago Mayoral Documentary, City So Real.
Coco Elysses (Musician/Performer)
Coco Elysses, a modern day renaissance woman hails from Robbins, Illinois and is a producer, musician, actress, voice-over artist, screenwriter and poet. She is the second woman Chair of the 56 year old venerable AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians). During their second season, she was a featured musician in the critically claimed FOX drama Empire.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
In 2014, Coco was a semi-finalist in Lifetime Television Unscripted Development Pipeline. Coco’s voice can be heard at the Adler Planetarium in the instillation, Skywatchers of Africa. Coco’s voice can also be heard in, Saint’s Row video game, EverQuest II and Watchdogs. In 2018 she won the ALTA Award for Best Original Music in a Play and the 2019 non-equity Jeff Award for Best Original Music in a Play for Tilikum, the first for an African American woman. Coco composed music and performed in Baltimore Center Stage’s touring mobile unit in Antigone as Tiresias.
In 2015 Coco was a featured actress in George E. Lewis’ film, Afterword and in the opera of the same name at The Museum of Contemporary Art. She was also in two exhibits, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the AACM (The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) at The DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Contemporary Art. She performed at the Frankfurt, Germany Jazz Festival with Generation Now of the AACM and at the Made in Chicago Jazz Festival in Poznan, Poland with Voice Heard- a collective of women musicians of the AACM. Coco was a featured actress on Chicago PD and a featured musician on Chicago Med.
She recently appeared in the Midwest premier of Detroit 67’ at Northlight Theatre directed by Ron O.J. Parsons.
Coco was also a featured musician in the book, Black Women and Music: More than The Blues, documenting historical female musicians. Coco performed with the Great Black Music Ensemble of the AACM in Pisa, Italy for The Insolent Noise Festival, at Millennium Park Chicago, The Chicago Blues Festival for the Chicago Jazz Festival. She has also performed with Renee Baker’s Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. She also performed with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. She was a featured artist in Taiko Legacy 8, 10 & 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art with Tatsu Aoki, and Tsukasa Taiko, Miyumi Project at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Coco’s poetry is featured in 99 New Poems: A Contemporary Anthology. A few of her noted recordings were in Chile, South America, with Raiza, on their CD, Latin Soul-EMI and Nicole Mitchell’s Africa Rising, Skylanding- The music of Yoko Ono by the Miyumi Project. Raw and Alive 1 & 2- Miyumi Project 2018, The Best of Miyumi Project 2020, Resurrection Suite with Carlos Pride and Ben Lamar Gay. Coco is a member of AFTRA-SAG, AEA, AACM and the AFM.
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu (Performer)
Ugochi Nwaogwugwu is a multidisciplinary creative, a professional poet and writer, internationally renowned musician, and poetry instructor and founder of Spirit Speaks, Inc. Ugochi has produced, written, and co-arranged three album projects: African Buttafly, A.S.E., and Love Shot. Her poems have been published in Storm Between Two Fingers and Too Young, Too Loud Too Different, both international anthologies released in the United Kingdom. She is also featured in Golden Shovel Anthology, released nationally in the US honoring Gwendolyn Brooks.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Ugochi has created an original pan African poetry form called #Ikepoem, paying homage to her Igbo family of Nigeria. She has written newsworthy blogs and essays including “Not My President,” published by Third World Press. Ugochi is also a playwright, activist, racial healing practitioner, and a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Recording Academy/Grammys Chicago Chapter.
Sandra Delgado (Musician/Performer)
Sandra Delgado is a Colombian-American writer, actor, singer and producer born and raised in Chicago. She is best known for her play La Havana Madrid, which enjoyed sold-out runs at Steppenwolf and Goodman Theatre, and most recently in a co-production with Teatro Vista and Collaboraction. It was featured in the New York Times and CNN, received recognition as one of the best plays of 2017 by New City Chicago and Time Out Chicago, the Time-Out Audience Award for Best New Work, and the Alliance of Latinx Theatre Artists (ALTA) Award for Best Production.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Sandra is also a respected veteran of the stage, with a career spanning two decades. In addition to her work at artistic homes, Teatro Vista and Collaboraction, she has been seen on stages across Chicago including The Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory Gardens and About Face. Recent highlights include the titular role in La Havana Madrid, La Ruta at Steppenwolf and starring off-Broadway in the Public Theatre’s production of Oedipus el Rey as Jocasta.
Sandra is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, serves on the board of the Chicago Public Library, served on the City of Chicago’s Cultural Advisory Council (2019-2021) and is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an Illinois Arts Council Fellow in Literature, a recipient of the 3Arts Award, the Joyce Award, The Theater Communications Group (TCG) Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship in the Extraordinary Potential Category, a three-time Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events grantee, and a 3Arts 3AP Project Grantee, and received the 2017 Latina Professional of the Year Award from the Chicago Latino Network. Ms. Delgado is Goodman's Playwrights Unit and a TCG Young Leader of Color Alum. She is one of the twenty women of Chicago arts and culture honored in Kerry James Marshall's mural RUSH MORE on the facade of the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her latest project, The Sandra Delgado Experience, a fusion of music and storytelling will premiered on May 1, 2002 with a sold-out show at Joe’s on Weed St.
Marcus Robinson (Music Director/Band Leader)
Dr. Robinson is a transformational leader in the fields of Non-Profit management, Talent Development, Corporate Culture, Diversity with Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. He is a seasoned non-profit executive who is adept at project leadership, strategic planning, fund-raising, and leading change that delivers on the vision, mission and purpose of the enterprise. Dr. Marcus now serves as the Co-Director of Enrich Chicago providing Anti-Racism consulting and training in the Chicago arts and culture sector as a catalyst for social change and community transformation.
Susana A. Banuelos
Susana A. Banuelos has been a traditional ceremonial Aztec/Mexica dancer for 29 years. Embracing her Native American heritage has helped her to heal personal and historical trauma and permits her to connect profoundly and spiritually with nature.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
She is co-founder of Aztec Dance Chicago, a cultural program that promotes traditional ceremonial Aztec dance. Participants learn traditional ceremonial dances/songs, pre-Hispanic rhythms, cultural concepts/crafts, basic Nahuatl vocabulary and share workshops and presentations locally and nationwide.
Susana is a former member of Teatro Callejero and Aztec Ceremonial Dance group, Nahualli. Through her participation in night vigils and medicine ceremonies she found her voice for singing as well as the inspiration to author over 25 songs and chants that she gifts to the tradition. Her ceremonial name is OllinKuikatl Tekpatzin.
Steven C. Manns Jr.
Steven C Manns Jr , 31 years of age from the south side of Chicago is a Bassist(Electric and upright )of 12 years. He's shared the stage with many great chicago musicians and artist . Genres include a wide range of music from jazz, RnB, gospel , blues etc . He’s also been recorded with many great artist of chicago and surrounding areas . He’s work at venues such as Buddy guys , The Backroom , Kingston Mines , Andys Jazz club , The Jazz showcase ,The velvet lounge , and Untitled supper club . Steven is also apart of the chicago musical and and play scene . He’s worked with the company Provision on “Toomey A Christmas Miracle” and the company Porchlight on the musical “Memphis “. He’s musical influences are Ray brown, Paul chambers , Jaco Pastorious, and James Jamerson. Steven started his musical education at Thornridge Highschool and continued at Northern Illinois University in 2009 in the field of Jazz studies.
Johndavid Provitt
Johndavid Provitt is a Chicago-based trumpeter, session recording artist, producer and graduate of Saint Xavier University. With over ten years of professional performance, Johndavid has immersed himself in various styles of trumpet performance. He performs regularly with both the Illville Vanguard and £rthe St. James + the Erthetones. He has recorded with several bands and artists across different musical idioms around Chicago including classical, alternative rock, RnB and Hip-hop. He's currently working on the premiere of a liturgical composition for brass choir.
James Ramos
James Ramos is a native of Chicago who grew up in the near northwest side community of Humboldt Park. He has devoted his entire adult life serving the residents of Chicago through the public sector. He is a true lover of the Arts. As a youth, he played the violin. And as an adult, he became a professional percussionist and plays a variety of genres such as Tropical, Latin Jazz, R&B, House, Latin Rock, Rock, and other African and Afro-Latino music. He is also a film producer who has produced award-winning short films and music videos.
“To have the opportunity to create an immersive theatrical event centered around harmony and self-care that uses song, dance, poetry and music as its bridge to our souls is truly a gift."
-Carla Stilwell, Collaboraction Producer
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