The Abyssinia at 5515 Penn Avenue, is Pittsburgh's premier destination for imported and local African Art.  The Gallery is centrally located in the growing Penn Avenue art district in the Garfield section of the City.  This upscale, modern art gallery is owned by Martha Vasser.  Once you have entered through the polished wood entrance, you find yourself emerged in another level of City cultural entertainment.  Abyssinia is a positive confirmation of Pittsburgh's movement towards offering more upscale and progressive places to shop and mingle for its residents.

The Abyssinia played host to the open mic event sponsored by Verve The Ministry, a group of like-minded Christians bringing the Word of God to the masses, by taking His Word to the streets.  

Tonight's featured artist was Crystal Branch, a Christian female rap artist who has been blessed to use lyrical rap as her testimony in reaching out to those who are finding life's challenges a heavy burden.  Crystal shares with them through her rap verses that they don't have to carry their burden alone, all they have to do is be still and give it all to
God.  He will carry you through.

The evening was filled with praises of glory to the Lord in song and in word.  The audience was entertained by spoken word selections and songs from members of the audience and Verve Ministry.  The audience was also informed on the continued works of the oral historians of the Charles "Teenie" Harris Photography Collection and how this photographic history is a vital part of Pittsburgh's Black community.

The evening ended with prayer and an invitation to the next event on Friday, November 16, 2007, with an Open Mic session, and featuring artists Sonji, Eric Blackwell & Faithful, Phate and Dr. Marla Johnson.  

Come out and enjoy good friends and good art.