She elegantly swept across the stage to the rhythm of the piano. Her dark curls bounced against her tan brown complexion. Gracefully, her body moved in harmony of each note projected. Her fluffy, pink skirt flowed in midair. She was calm. Then the music faded.

The crowd waited in anticipation for the next song as she stood alone on the stage. Then “I Like Big Butts and I Cannot Lie” by rapper Sir Mix-a-lot suddenly filled the music hall. The crowd laughed as they realized this was part of the act. The dancer smiled and continued dancing to the music.

This talented dancer was Tina Mullone, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance. The track she performed to was called, “And All that Matters” performed by various artists.

Mullone was one of the many to perform in the annual ULM event, African Americans in the Arts. The purpose of this event was to celebrate the contributions of African Americans in the Arts.

There was full attendance with every seat filled. The crowd was anxious to see performers and musicians from South Louisiana. The show was packed with traditional hymnals, spirituals, ULM International Ensemble, the Wiley College Concert Choir and several soloists.

Wilfred Delphin, a musician from Xavier University said, “Calvin [Stafford] and everyone who we have met on this experience have made us feel so welcome. The piano and music hall here are really first rate. It was such a pleasure to perform.”

Delphin played the piece “O Patricia Mia (Aida)” by Giuseppe Verdi while his co-performer, Valerie Francis, sang soprano. Francis traveled from Nicholls State University and Stacy V. Gibbs, a guest composer, traveled from Detroit to perform at this event. Gibbs is well known for his many arrangements of spirituals in print.

“I thought the performances were all fantastic,” said freshman vocal performance major Sierra Ethridge. “The guest soprano Valerie Francis was my favorite and the International Ensemble gave me chills after their performance,” said Ethridge.

ULM Student Government Association President Calvin Stafford was pleased with the turnout of the event and was grateful for all of the sponsoring organizations such as ULM Campus Activities Board, ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts, ULM ACDA Student Chapter, Lambda Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Wiley College Concert Choir and the ULM Diversity Committee.

Stafford coordinated the events of the night. This is the third year that he planned the event. Stafford said the crowd has grown from 110 people to over 200 people in the past three years.

“I am so delighted to have planned this event for my university,” said Stafford. “Not many people get this opportunity to have a great composer perform at their college. The fact that Composer Stacey V. Gibbs composed a piece just for my voice and our choir was a blessing,” he said.

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