MUSE/IQUE To Present THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM: Black Brilliance and the Harlem Renaissance

MUSE/IQUE has announced THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM: Black Brilliance and the Harlem Renaissance, a new concert program presented between June 2-7, 2026 in partnership with The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens and Skirball Cultural Center.

Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby, the performances will feature Kecia Lewis, Sy Smith, Leo Manzari, the DC6 Singers Collective, and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra.

The production explores the music and cultural impact of the Harlem Renaissance, tracing the movement’s influence through jazz, Broadway, blues, orchestral music, and queer artistic expression.

“The artists, musicians, and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance declared their brilliance in a way that forever changed American culture,” Worby said in a statement. “The daring self-expression of these Black artists, and their pride in their identity, spread a message of hope and empowerment that continues to speak to us all.”

The performances will revisit music associated with artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Florence Price.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Kecia Lewis

Kecia Lewis made her Broadway debut at age 18 in the original company of DREAMGIRLS. Her Broadway credits include THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS, BIG RIVER, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, CHICAGO, LEAP OF FAITH, CINDERELLA, CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, and her Tony Award-winning performance in Alicia Keys’ HELL'S KITCHEN.

Sy Smith

Sy Smith is an R&B vocalist with a five-octave range who has worked with artists including Whitney Houston and Chris Botti. She recently portrayed Michelle Obama in 44: The Musical.

Leo Manzari

Leo Manzari is a Lucille Lortel Award-nominated tap dancer and recording artist whose credits include Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life, So You Think You Can Dance, and performances at the Kennedy Center.

DC6 Singers Collective

The DC6 Singers Collective is a Los Angeles-based vocal ensemble blending a cappella, gospel, doo wop, and R&B influences. The group recently appeared on the Oscar-winning soundtrack for Sinners and performed at this year’s Academy Awards.

THE SUN RISES IN HARLEM

Black Brilliance and the Harlem Renaissance

Presented in partnership with The Huntington, Skirball Cultural Center, East West Bank, and KPFK.

Performance Information

The Huntington

1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108

• June 2 — 7:30 p.m.
• June 3 — 7:30 p.m.

Skirball Cultural Center

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

• June 7 — 3:00 p.m.
• June 7 — 7:30 p.m.

Admissions are available now through MUSE/IQUE. Membership packages begin at $350 and include complimentary admission to all MUSE/IQUE events. Non-member admissions begin at $75 for a single ticket or $100 for a trial membership for two people.