Album Notes

Paul Laurence Dunbar's southern dialect poetry takes center stage, as ONI LASANA brings history to life in a unique interpretation that carries you throughout the day in the life of a woman living on a plantation with her son Elias, during the 1800's. Presenting before audiences throughout the US, Caribbean and Europe, the CD bring you back in time, through the power of poetry and music.

Here's what folks have to say about Oni's live performances as "'Lias' Mother" which features the poetry heard on this CD.

"The voice of Dunbar!"
Nikki Giovanni, poet, Professor of English, Virginia Tech

"Many hearts were touched by 'Lias' Mother."
Debbie Allen of Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Los Angeles

"Does Oprah know about you?"
Teacher, Bridge Street Prep School, Brooklyn, NY

"The children were mesmerized by your stories, poetry and song, thank you so much for teaching us about the work of Dunbar!"
Margo Robinson
Mark Twain Elementary
Heidelberg, Germany

"You captivated the audience! We are honored to have you as a partner in the effort of promoting diversity at ESU."
Mary Tandia, Muticultural Affairs
East Stroudsburg University, PA

"We hope that many more of Philadelphia's students and teachers will have the opportunity to enjoy your dynamic presentations."
Carolyn L. Holmes, Supervisor
The School District of Philadelphia,
African-American Studies Department

"Thank you for casting a wonderful poetic spell on all of us. Our day with Dunbar's works was absolutely magical!"
Nancy Robinson, English Dept.
Downingtown High School, PA

ONI LASANA...is performance poet and storyteller from Philadelphia, who has spent many years in Communications and the Performing Arts as a radio producer, songwriter, music arranger, music publisher, and creative director of various cultural productions and community events.

Lasana is embraced by diverse audiences for her dynamic creativity, as she shares her unique style of performing the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar. As a cultural enrichment artist, she aides in the teaching and presenting of American History, Language Arts and Theater using Dunbar's poetry in the classroom and in school assemblies.

SISTER WINGS*!* a interactive spoken word program, where she plays bass and recites original poetry and other great poets in American Literature is also in great demand in the Philadelphia area.

A lifetime member of the National Association of Black Storytellers, also a member of Patchwork; A Storytelling Guild, Keepers Of The Culture - Philadelphia's Afrocentric Storytelling Group, the National Storytelling Network, Mississippi Storyweavers and also on the roster of artist for Artreach, Inc. and Rutgers University Childcare Center.

Oni Lasana Doin' Dunbar as 'Lias' Mother is not a Amos n' Andy rendition of Dunbar's work, but a delivery that is natural, heartfelt and true to Dunbar's legacy.

So go on & treat yo' self to this CD!