Writer Ishmael Reed and Jazz Composer Mary Watkins Perform Poetry for Peace at San Francisco Public Library

Writer Ishmael Reed and Jazz Composer Mary Watkins Perform Poetry for Peace at San Francisco Public Library SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Renowned writer and iconoclast Ishmael Reed and a group led by the eclectic composer and pianist Mary Watkins will blend their creative talents in a "poetry for peace" performance on Sunday January 23 in the Koret Auditorium of the San Francisco Main Public Library. The program "Fighting for Peace" is hosted and sponsored by the African American Center of the San Francisco Public Library, The Friends of the San Francisco Library and Dunhill Publishing. The event will begin from 2pm and entrance is free. Ishmael Reed, one of the most original and controversial African American literary figures, will read his own works and the peace poetry of Japanese Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda in what promises to be a powerful collaboration between music and performed poetry. As Reed says, "When the politicians and the intellectual or academic leaders fail, then the poets have to step in." Mary Watkins, a pianist, composer and arranger of the jazz and classical traditions, is known for her innovative integration of diverse musical styles and influences. She has completed several commissions for symphony orchestra, chamber and jazz ensembles, stage and film-including three Academy Award-nominated films. She will co-lead an ensemble with the equally versatile drummer, classical guitarist, improvisational cellist and music educator Joyce Kouffman. Reed will be reciting poetry from "Fighting for Peace" by Japanese Buddhist philosopher and peacebuilder, Daisaku Ikeda. Ikeda, who has been named poet laureate by the World Academy of Arts and Culture, is president of the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist association dedicated to peace, education and cultural exchange. For further information about the event, go to http://www.poetry4peace.org/ . For further information on "Fighting for Peace", published by Dunhill Publishing, go to http://www.dunhillpublishing.com/ . Source: Dunhill Publishing CONTACT: Aline Kafentzis of Classix Communications, for Dunhill Publishing, +1-949-632-4882 Web site: http://www.poetry4peace.org/ http://www.dunhillpublishing.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment