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“Sanctified in Swing”: A Night That Left Me Proud and Breathless

April 8, 2026

A sold-out performance of "Sanctified in Swing" by the Ira Aldridge Repertory Players at Spacebar Café and Wine Bistro in La Mesa delivered a powerful fusion of music, poetry, and spoken word that profoundly moved its audience. The show featured standout performances by vocalists Roosevelt Carter and Leslie Green of the group Defying Physics, whose harmonies created what attendees described as a sacred atmosphere. Cherie McCarey performed a dramatic reading while founder Calvin Manson wove spoken word throughout the musical performances, creating a seamless artistic experience.

Who is affected

  • The Ira Aldridge Repertory Players (performing company)
  • Calvin Manson (founder, Artistic Director, playwright, and performer)
  • Roosevelt Carter and Leslie Green of Defying Physics (vocalists)
  • Rene Minniefee (Master of Ceremonies)
  • Cherie McCarey (performer/reader)
  • The sold-out audience at Spacebar Café and Wine Bistro
  • Lemon Grove Arts Collective and Arts in Lemon Grove (fundraising beneficiaries)
  • The La Mesa and Lemon Grove communities

What action is being taken

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article
  • (Note: The article describes a performance that already occurred on Saturday; no ongoing actions are explicitly described.)

Why it matters

  • This performance demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary arts to create transformative community experiences that transcend mere entertainment. The event builds cultural connections by turning strangers into community members through shared artistic experience, while simultaneously supporting local arts infrastructure. By generating funds for the Lemon Grove Arts Collective, the performance helps sustain programs that make art accessible in everyday public spaces, fostering ongoing community engagement and creative expression beyond traditional venues.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint