Beyond Earth

Set in the year 2430, Beyond Earth invites audiences on a unique musical and poetic voyage that reflects on humanity’s past, present, and future. The concert follows Minister Keke, a spiritual leader torn between staying on Earth and venturing to a new colony on Mars. Through evocative percussive compositions and compelling spoken word narration, Keke’s dialogue with ABBA AI — an artificial intelligence within her mind — probes themes of legacy, consciousness, and survival.

Rooted in the Afrofuturist tradition—a creative and cultural lens that merges African diasporic heritage with science fiction and spiritual inquiry—the experience invites audiences into an immersive story that is at once meditative, visionary, and emotionally stirring.

Sarasota’s own celebrated Spoken Word artist, Melanie Lavender, guides the evening’s narrative flow. Her reflective storytelling weaves reflections of spirit and cosmic belonging throughout the concert in her original compositions and improvisations.

The concert features Modern Marimba’s chamber ensemble, showcasing marimba, vibraphone, and percussion. Highlights include a full performance of Anna Ignatowicz’s Passacaglia, alongside arrangements, original compositions, and improvisations.

This event is made possible with generous support from Modern Marimba, Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF), American Federation of Musicians Local 427-721, and Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota.

About Modern Marimba

Modern Marimba, organized by Tihda Vongkoth, is dedicated to inclusive, boundary-pushing performances that center the marimba and percussion arts in a contemporary, accessible context. Through innovative programming, the organization fosters community engagement and elevates underrepresented voices in the arts.

About Melanie Lavender

Melanie Lavender is a Sarasota-based Spoken Word artist whose work explores healing, heritage, and identity. A Hermitage Fellow and featured performer on platforms such as PBS and TEDx, she brings a deep reverence for spirit, language, and cultural storytelling to every performance.

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