US Ambassador headlines evening of African-American music and poetry

TIRANA, March 2 – In an evening featuring fluid jazz and blues and poignant poetry, US Ambassador John Withers celebrated African-American History Month with an event showcasing African-American composers and poets.
Guests at the February 23 event included local artists, academics and students, NGO representatives, parliamentarians, and cultural reporters.
All were charmed and fascinated by Jazz up the Rogner Band’s live performance of jazz, blues, and spirituals.
Drama students Eralda Hitaj, Sara Smaja, and Laura Nezha, and Marine Security Guard Derrin Burke, joined Ambassador Withers in conveying the rich and complex layers of African-American culture and identity through its poetry.
“It is a special treat to see the U.S. Ambassador in another dimension,” exclaimed one of the guests.