with special guests Marcia Hagan, Eric Dickson, Steven Frank, Ruthnie Angrand Laurie, and singers from the Tucker Missionary Baptist Choir.
Tucker Missionary Baptist Church
515 Oakwood Ave, Syracuse
Guest Directors
Bishop Eric T. Dickson serves with passion and excellence as the Pastor of Worship and Arts at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, where he provides strategic oversight to the Music Ministry, Media Team, Dance and Drama Ministry, and the Kidz Cafe. A highly respected musical director and cultural leader in Central New York, he regularly directs the Northeastern District Baptist Association (NEDBA) Mass Choir and has famously collaborated with the Syracuse Opera to bring historic, faith-based productions to the local community. Deepening his ties to the local arts scene, Bishop Dickson is proud to be guest directing our upcoming Summer Solstice Concert, hosted right at Tucker Missionary Baptist Church. Through his dedicated ministry and collaborative spirit, Bishop Dickson continues to inspire worshippers, cultivate artistic talent, and unite people through the transformative power of sacred music.
Steven Frank is an educator, trombonist, composer, and arranger with deep roots in the Central New York music community. A SAMMY Hall of Fame inductee for Music Educator of the Year, Steve has shaped young musicians across the region through his work in the West Genesee school district, at Syracuse University, Onondaga Community College, and as Education Program Director for the Syracuse Jazz Fest.
As a performer, Steve has played and recorded with groups ranging from the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra to rock and jazz bands. We are so excited to have his talent and experience on our stage.
Special Guests
Marcia Hagan is a trailblazing, classically trained vocalist, pianist, playwright, and choral directorwho has been a pillar of the Syracuse, New York arts and education community for decades. Inducted into the prestigious Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMY) Hall of Fame, her extraordinary musical journey began in her father’s Alabama church before she earned a scholarship to Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music at just 14 years old. Over her distinguished career, Hagan has shared stages with legendary figures like Coretta Scott King, Count Basie, and Shirley Caesar, and has performed by special invitation for luminaries such as Maya Angelou and Jesse Jackson. In addition to her extensive history as a Minister of Music for local congregations including Bell Grove Missionary Baptist, and Second Olivet Missionary Baptist. She is a frequent guest artist for the Syracuse Community Choir.
Ruthnie Angrand is a Haitian-American poet, writer, and communications strategist who serves as Onondaga County’s Poet Laureate. Known to the stage as “Rae Sunshine,” she views literary art, spoken word, and civic storytelling as essential tools for strategic public engagement. For over two decades, Ruthnie has worked at the intersection of corporate strategy and public policy, enabling organizations to listen deeply and amplify the voices of the communities they serve. Her extensive local advocacy includes serving on the board of the Landmark Theatre and the Syracuse Juneteenth Committee, alongside her professional role as the director of communications for the Onondaga County Legislature. As Poet Laureate, she is dedicated to elevating the region’s artistic vibrancy by establishing a Youth Poet Laureateship program for Central New York teens and expanding Salt City Stages, a digital library celebrating Syracuse’s literary arts scene.
Accessibility: Braille programs available. Wheelchair accessible. Masks Encouraged.
Parking: Parking available on site.
Join us after the concert for a reception!