In 1956, more  than 600 African-American families, including businesses and  institutions living in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul,  lost their  homes to the construction of the new I-94 highway cutting across the  United States. Rondo's disaggregation was part of a national movement  that upended thousands of black, immigrant, and poor communities to make  room for more seamless coast-to-coast automobile transportation. Home  to such artists as Gordon Parks, August Wilson, Roberta Davies, and  Bobby Lyles, the Rondo neighborhood produced and inspired artists and  musicians who would go on to national fame. The Rondo Community Music  Series, presented by Walker West Music Academy, showcases a current  generation of artists who continue to be inspired by Rondo's history,  cultural expression, and resilience. The Rondo Community Music Series  presents a variety of musicians and artists from September through April  2024. Join us for all of the hour-long concerts and be inspired by the  power of music to convey and shape communities. All shows are FREE, but  you must register!

Marie Chanté has written over 1000 poems, monologues and short stories that are being compiled into long awaited published works. Her dream job is combining music and poetry, although she enjoys teaching as well. Her collaboration and artist work resume includes: #MPLStheBAND and Houston White for The Black Excellence & The King Kunta Project, PipJazz Foundation, The Mn Spoken Word Association, Poets of The City, The Poetic Voyage, and a brief but loving run as the host for Majestic Flows Open Mic at Favor Cafe. She worked as a Teaching Artist at HECUA, in the Inequalities in America department for several years before the college closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is currently Outreach & Student Services Director at Walker|West Music Academy, where she has had a working relationship, in different capacities, since 2008

Marie Chante'