On June 11, 1900, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a reading of his poetry during a concert in Washington, D. C. Also on the program were two Black musicians: tenor Sidney Woodward and violinist Joseph Douglass, who was a grandson of Frederick Douglass.
Among the many musical and literary treats in store for the music loving people of Washington is the grand Sidney Woodward Concert which will take place at the Shiloh Baptist Church, Monday evening, June 11th. Already assurances are given for a large audience. Mr. Sidney Woodward is the greatest tenor the race has produced and is considered by many the greatest tenor living. Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar needs no introduction to a Washington audience. Mr. Dunbar, poet, will make his first appearance after a journey in the Rocky Mountains. Come early to avoid the rush. Admission 25 cents.
"The Sidney Woodward Concert." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.) June 2, 1900. Page 8.
Solo Aria, Mr. Sidney Woodward
Violin Solo, Mr. Joseph Douglass
Solo, Mr. Sidney Woodward
Reading, Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar
Violin Solo, Mr. Joseph Douglass
Chorus, Mr. Sidney Woodward and Chorus
Recital program, June 11, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Paul's mother Matilda was visiting relatives in Chicago at the time and did not attend the concert. However, she received a postcard about the event from her Washington friend Amelia Douglass, an aunt of the violinist Joseph Douglass.
I did not get out after all to hear Paul read last night as I was not feeling well. Dr. Tin and Gregoria went and were delighted with Paul's reading and Woodward's singing. The night was awfully warm, but I think Paul stood the heat better than Joe. Mrs. Crummell went in my place and enjoyed the concert very much.
Amelia Douglass to Matilda Dunbar, June 12, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
In 1893, Paul appeared with both Woodward and Douglass on Colored American Day at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The musical treat of the afternoon came when Sidney Woodward of Boston was presented. He sang one of Verdi's arias in a tenor that for sweetness and purity of tone has rarely been equaled at the Exposition. Of course he was encored, and so insistent was the audience that they called him out five times to bow his appreciation.
Paul Dunbar of Dayton, O., the author of "Oak and Ivy," was presented and read an original poem.
"Appeal of Douglass." The Chicago Tribune (Chicago, Illinois). August 26, 1893. Page 3.
Woodward studied music and performed in Europe, and he and Paul were in England at the same time in 1897. Paul mentioned Woodward in letters to his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore.
Sidney Woodward the tenor singer from Boston is here and I am expecting him out to dinner with me on Sunday. Sid and I are very good friends and he will prove quite a companion for me for the time he is in London.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, April 23, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
My old friend Dr. Crummell of Washington is here and with his wife is staying at the same house with me. Miss Hallie Q. Brown has come up for the Jubilee and Sidney Woodward who is touring the provinces is to visit me tomorrow, so you see I ought not to be lonesome.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, June 10, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).