Even when a residency is focused on the development of new work, as was the case at the Walker Art Center in May 1999 when the company was working on Soul Deep, Zollar takes time to connect with community members. While in residence in Minneapolis, her entire company participated in a reception for local artists and students at Dunwoody Institute (co-hosted by AACI Musicians Creative Guild); hosted an open rehearsal of the new work that included a discussion of its creation; and joined leaders of the local African-American community in experiencing Minneapolis's re-creation of a midnight Underground Railroad escape (which she said gave company members an important direct experience with people from the community). The Urban Bush Women and the David Murray Octet held an open rehearsal and question-and-answer session and showed excerpts from Soul Deep. In addition, Murray and members of his ensemble participated in a lecture-demonstration and reception at the Cultural Center of Minnesota, a local African diasporic event center.