EVENT: Rochester Hosts "An Evening with Maya Angelou"

Acclaimed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman, Maya Angelou will appear at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in the Palestra of the Robert B. Goergen Athletic Center on the University of Rochester's River Campus.

Considered one of our national treasures, Angelou is an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist. She authored 12 best-selling books including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) and her most recent best seller, A Song Flung Up to Heaven (2002). Angelou also produced several volumes of poetry. Her collection titled Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie (1971) was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

In her appearances, Angelou presents a compelling vision of grace. She is known as a passionate speaker, mesmerizing audiences with her vigor and the beauty of her lyrics, swaying and singing as she recites.

Angelou is the second poet in U.S. history awarded the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration, appearing at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton. In 1981, Angelou accepted a lifetime position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. When she is not teaching, she continues to travel throughout the world making appearances.

Admission to "An Evening with Maya Angelou" is $5 for University of Rochester undergraduates, $10 for the University staff, faculty, and graduate students, and $15 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the Common Market in Wilson Commons on the River Campus and at the door. In addition, general admission tickets only are available at the Greenwood Bookstore at 123 East Ave.

Angelou's appearance at the University of Rochester is sponsored by the Outside Speakers Committee. For more information, call (585) 275-5911.