How We Start Again
Saturday, April 26 | 4 PM
Carnegie Theatre | 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington KY
On April 26, MUSE proudly welcomes Los Angeles-based artist, educator, and composer Ayo Awosika for a powerful collaboration to close our 42nd season. Ayo, whose music blends jazz, R&B, and soul, brings a dynamic presence to our spring concert, How We Start Again. Together, we will premiere her new choral work, written for MUSE and inspired by bell hooks’ Love as the Practice of Freedom. This performance will also feature Ayo as a soloist, alongside MUSE and our community, in a shared musical experience of renewal and collective strength.
How We Start Again is the culmination of Lifting as We Climb, a season inspired by the words of African American activist Mary Church Terrell. A leader in both the suffrage and civil rights movements, Terrell championed the intersectionality of gender and race at the turn of the 20th century. Her legacy reminds us that progress is not solitary—we rise by lifting others.
As we reflect on our past work in Still Ain’t Satisfied and look toward what’s ahead, we ask: How do we define ourselves as a community committed to musical excellence, unity, social justice, and empowerment? How We Start Again is more than a performance—it is a call to rise together.
Support our New Commission
Your generous gift fuels our mission to lift up unheard voices and empower women through the unique power of choral music. In MUSE's 42-year history, we've brought to life over 81 new works and 130 new arrangements for SSAA choirs, amplifying voices that demand to be heard.
Now, we’re excited to commission an inspiring new piece by Ayo Awosika, premiering at our Spring Concert in April. Will you help lay the foundation for this impactful new work? Join us in creating a legacy that resonates for generations.
Composer, Ayo Awosika
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
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Carnegie Theatre
1028 Scott Blvd Covington, KY 41011
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April 26 | 4 PM
Please arrive early to allow yourself time to park, pick up your tickets, explore our friends’ tables in the lobby, and chat!
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Tickets range from $17 - $70. More details available soon!
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Yes! Free childcare is available for the duration of the concert. Childcare registration opens in April.
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The Carnegie has an on-site parking lot and ample street parking nearby.
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Yes! We will have a limited supply of MUSE merchandise, as well as a book raffle and concessions.
Lift your Spotify…
Reiterate the message, perform the concert in your car, start your day with a positive message, get in the concert vibe - whatever you need to lift others along as you climb your own mountain, this playlist has your back.
…or YouTube
About Ayo Awosika
Ayo Awosika is a singer, composer, and vocal coach based in Los Angeles. As a vocalist, she has amassed an extensive list of credits that includes top level artists (Miley Cyrus, Sam Smith, Dolly Parton), blockbuster feature films (The Lion King 2019, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), and prominent live TV shows (Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!). As a composer, Ayo has been commissioned to write choral pieces and arrangements for several notable choirs across the country, including the grand finale performance of the 2023 Sister Singers Network Festival in Columbus, Ohio.
In addition to her successful professional career, Ayo also has a deep desire to help other singers, and she has taught vocal lessons to students of all ages for over 15 years. She teaches both in person and virtually.
Concert Artwork: About the Artist
Shaunt’e Lewis, based in Indianapolis, is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur known for her vibrant, empowering artwork. Under her brand, Shaunt’e Lewis Art (SLA Studio), she combines illustration, fiber art, and design to create impactful pieces, often highlighting bold female representation through clean lines and rich color. Her practice includes digital designs, murals, and punch needle art, which recently led to a commission by St. Vincent Women’s Hospital.
Originally a hairstylist for 15 years, Shaunt’e’s passion for art was reignited during the 2020 pandemic, prompting her to transition to a full-time art career by 2021. Since then, her achievements include a New York Times cover feature, painting live at the Indy 500, and collaborations with brands like West Elm, Maker’s Mark, and the Pacers. Her work has also appeared in Complex Magazine, gaining her national attention.
In 2024, she received the Breakthrough Women Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Indianapolis Chapter, honoring her contributions to Arts and Culture. Now deeply rooted in the Indianapolis community, Shaunt’e partners with groups like Visit Indy and the Indy Chamber, creating art that uplifts and inspires. Through SLA Studio, she continues to expand her impact, blending creativity and empowerment in all her work.
