‘Have You Heard the Word?’ at Vassar, April 17

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Vassar College Black Student Union will present "The Decade of Decadence: Poetry in New York City's Lower East Side from 1990 to Now." Two-time Tony Award-nominated and Grammy Award nominated poet and playwright Reg E. Gaines and his brother, Grammy Award-nominated Calvin Gaines, will perform on Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in the Villard Room, Main Building, at Vassar College.

Reg E. Gaines wrote the lyrics for the Broadway musical, "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk." He also released the critically acclaimed CD, "Please Don't Take My Air Jordans."

The brothers will address the collaboration between poetry and music. Calvin Gaines, will also give a music-poetry performance. Having been strongly influenced by the Nuyorican Poets' Café in New York City, Reg E Gaines will talk about his beginnings there and the many people who he met, became friends with, and was influenced by. Reg E Gaines will speak about and perform some of what he considers the most important poets, such as Paul Beatty, Dana Bryant, Maggie Estep, Tony Medina, Kevin

Powell, Dale Orlander-Smith, Miquel Algarin (the founder of the Nuyorican), and himself.

For additional information, contact the Office of Campus Activities at (845) 437-5426. Individuals with disabilities should contact Cathy Jennings in the Campus Activities at (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible, to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Wednesday, April 17th, 2002.