Musician Ben Sollee:

Ben is an American cellist, singer-songwriter, and composer known for his political activism. His music incorporates banjo, guitar, and mandolin along with percussion and unusual cello techniques. His songs exhibit a mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and R&B elements. Sollee has also composed longer instrumental pieces for dance ensembles and for film. He will be opening the event, and accompanying the poets. He has written a melody for Miranda-Straub’s poem, Cubalachian, Cuban by birth and Appalachian by the Grace of God.

Hasan Davis:

Hasan Davis is a poet, speaker, and former Kentucky Juvenile Justice Commissioner whose work blends story, history, and hope. Drawing from lived experience and resilience, he shares poems from Human Writes, a collection exploring identity, struggle, healing, and transformation—inviting audiences to honor their humanity and imagine new possibilities together, forward. Davis, like Miranda-Straub, is a member of the Affrilachian Poets, established in 1991 by Frank X Walker and Nikki Finney to highlight the muted voices of African Americans and people of color in Appalachia.

“I am giddy about the James Baker Hall Foundation’s event on March 14th. Berea is near and dear to my heart, and it will be a homecoming,” explains Miranda-Straub. “I’m excited people will get to hear Hasan’s powerful message and of course, everyone knows I am in love with the talented Ben Sollee. His music will be a magical addition to the event. Come spend the afternoon with us.”

The event in Berea is free, but you must register to attend. Scan the QR code below, or click here to register to attend the event.