Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) was key strategist of the American Civil Rights
Movement. Rustin organized the famous 1963 March on Washington. As a non-violent protest, the event had a major influence on the tactics and strategy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
To celebrate Rustin’s life and accomplishments, The Quire of Eastern Iowa along with guest performer Bruce Teague, will be performing “Bayard Rustin: The Man Behind the Dream” on February 21 at First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City at 8:00 PM and again on Februrary 29 at People’s Church in Cedar Rapids. Commissioned by The Quire and others, the piece was composed by Steven Malloy and tells the story of Rustin’s role in the Civil Rights Movement as well as his influence on Dr. King.
“As an LGBTQ+ focused organization, it was deeply moving to be a part of bringing this work to life,” said Nolan Petersen, current Chair for The Quire’s Board of Directors. “After performing the work in 2018, and with an opportunity to revisit the work at the 2020 GALA Festival in Minneapolis in July, the group saw an opportunity to share the story of this incredible figure with our community once again.”
Background:
Composer Steven Melloy is Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Men’s Chorus and Music Director at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Bellevue, KY. He has also served as the music director of the Martin Luther King Coalition Chorale and artistic director of the Diverse City Youth Chorus. Steve has been commissioned to compose or arrange pieces for dozens of church & community choruses in the US and UK and received a BA in Music from Miami University and a MM in conducting from the University of Cincinnati/College-Conservatory of Music.
Bruce Teague currently serves as Mayor of Iowa City. Originally from Chicago, Bruce moved to Iowa City at 17, eventually finding his way to Kirkwood’s nursing program. He later transferred to the University of Iowa, where he completed his Bachelor’s in Psychology. Passionate about his service to others, Bruce now owns two businesses that support individuals in need in the local community: Caring Hands & More and CHARM Homes, which both specialize in assistive care and services. Additionally, Bruce is in the process of building a multi-generational daycare facility in Iowa City catering to both the elderly and pre-school
aged children.
Iowa City Concert
Date: Friday, February 21
Doors for Concert: 7:30 PM
Concert: 8:00 PM
Location:
First Presbyterian Church of Iowa City
2701 Rochester Ave, Iowa City, IA 52245
This concert is open to the public, with a
free-will donation at the door.
Tickets and more information at TheQuire.org
Cedar Rapids Dinner & Concert Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, February 29
Doors for Dinner Service: 6:00 PM
Doors for Concert: 7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM
Location:
Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist
4980 Gordon Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA
52405
$35 – Dinner & Concert Entry
$20 – Concert Only