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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, November 18, 2009

'Above and Beyond' the theme for A Potpourri of the Arts in the African American Tradition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- "Above and Beyond" is the theme for the 16th annual A Potpourri of the Arts in the African American Tradition, presented by Indiana University's African American Arts Institute.

Dance, melody and rhythm only begin to describe the compilation of talent featured from the three ensembles -- the IU Soul Revue, the African American Dance Company and the African American Choral Ensemble. The concert will be held on Dec. 5 (Saturday) at 8 p.m. at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.

Under the direction of professor Nathanael Fareed Mahluli, the IU Soul Revue will bring down the house with a cornucopia of melodies and rhythms featuring hits from a vast range of African American music contributors. The sets will include a sampling of previously performed music from concerts this year, giving the audience a true taste of African American music from early black rock to 90's modern rock. The IU Soul Revue will feature the music of Michael Jackson, Prince, Earth Wind and Fire, and the Temptations.

The African American Dance Company will present a fusion of dance styles and forms under the choreography of professor Iris Rosa. Also featured will be guest artists Bernard Woma and Evelyn Yaa Bekyore. Woma is the artistic director of the Saakuma Dance Company, a master of the African xylophone and lead drummer for the National Dance Company of Ghana. Bekyore is a dancer with the Saakuma Dance Company.

The African American Choral Ensemble's director Keith McCuthchen has chosen to pay the first of several tributes to R. Nathaniel Dett, a composer, pianist and choral conductor who dedicated his entire life to presenting the music of African Americans to all people and nations. Dett is best known for his choral anthem "Listen to the Lambs" and his piano piece, "Juba Dance."

This year's contemporary gospel groups will feature new music by the reunion of Commissioned, a new group called Joshua's Troop 3, and Karen Clark-Sheard's remix of Jill Scott's You Love Me. Swinging jazz and soul infuse the closing selection by multifaceted composer and choir leader James Hall.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children and IU students with an ID.

"A Potpourri of the Arts" was created to bring together a diverse range of African American performance styles. This year's event is an example of the AAAI's 35 years of commitment to celebrating and fostering arts in the African American tradition. The institute will continue to contribute to the cultural diversity of IU by preserving, promoting and celebrating African American arts traditions. The institute's current executive director is Charles E. Sykes.

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