Graduatate Student Danielle Maggio is collaborating with Ryan Arts Center to present "Celebrating Mary Lou Williams: Pittsburgh's Bebop Queen." The event will include a screening of the film Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings The Band with a brief lecture, and performances by Danielle Maggio (vocals), Samuel Okoh-Boateng (piano), Gizelxanath and the Afro Yaqui Vocal Ensemble (performing "St. Martin de Porress," arranged by Ben Barson). No prior music knowledge is needed to understand and enjoy the lecture or film. Rather, it is in honor and celebration of Pittsburgh’s rich Black music history, and the women who were at its forefront. A cocktail hour immediately following will be a time for people to mingle and ask questions about the film and upcoming events at the Father Ryan Arts Center, which are centered around Black music and Women’s Awareness.

The event takes place on Friday, March 31 from 6-10 p.m. at the Ryan Arts and Culture Center. A donation of $5–$10 is suggested.