Civil Dusk: Performance by Artist Bethany Collins

Named after the first stage of twilight, Bethany Collins’ Civil Dusk (2024−2025) will begin as sunlight fades. The performance consists of multiple versions of Auld Lang Syne sung simultaneously, while focusing on a version historically sung by soldiers in the trenches of war. The melody remains constant as the lyrics change, resulting in a familiar chaos. Despite moments of rupture, there are a few moments of synchronicity in the performance, where two voices nearly align. The performance will conclude at astronomical twilight, when the sunlight no longer illuminates the west-facing Charles Connick stained glass windows of Saint John’s Cathedral. The ending is in darkness.

Civil Dusk by Bethany Collins is presented in conjunction with MCA Denver’s current exhibition, The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home: Selections from Prospect. 6, on view through August 24, 2025.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

This event will be held at Saint John’s Cathedral, located at 1350 N. Washington Street, not at MCA Denver.

About the Artist

Bethany Collins (b.1984) was born in Montgomery, AL and lives and works in Chicago, IL. Collins is a multidisciplinary artist whose conceptual practice examines the relationship between race and language. Centering language — its biases, contradictions, and ability to simultaneously forge connections and foster violence — her works illuminate America’s past and offer insight into the development of racial and national identities. Drawing on a wide variety of documents, ranging from nineteenth-century musical scores to US Department of Justice reports, she erases, obscures, excerpts, and rewrites portions of text to bring to the fore issues revolving around race, power, and histories of violence.

About the Performers

Allie Bradford

IG: @allie_chantel, TikTok: @alliechantel

Allie, an Englewood (Chicago) native is a singer, songwriter and musician. She’s recorded and performed with Grammy-Award winning artists Chance The Rapper, Bobby McFerrin and others. She’s toured and performed with Jamila Woods, Theaster Gates, New Kids On The Block, Alice Cooper and many others. She debuted as an independent artist in 2023 releasing her first EP single ​“When I Met You” available on all streaming platforms.

Keanon Kyles

IG: @keanonk, TikTok: @kckyles

Keanon Kyles, lauded by CNN for his ​“beautiful technique,” is a Chicago-born operatic bass who has performed internationally, including appearances in Italy, the U.K., South America, and Carnegie Hall. He has made notable debuts with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, and Portland Opera, and has been featured by major media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and NPR. Kyles is passionate about new works, having premiered several contemporary operas and art songs, and currently serves on the voice faculty at Roosevelt University. In addition to his performance career, he is an active educator, arts advocate, and multiple award recipient for his contributions to the arts.