Concerts at the Eugene D. Nesin Theatre
Sounds of Africa, February 22, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Eugene D. Nesin Theatre for the Performing Arts, 22 St. John Street, Monticello
This
press release was submitted by Lori Orestano-James.
For more information or questions, call her at 794-8840, ext. 10929.
The Monticello
Performing Arts Booster Club will be presenting Master Drummer
Bernard Woma and the Saakumu Dance Troupe on February 22, 2011
at 7:30 pm, in Eugene D. Nesin Theatre for the Performing Arts,
St. John Street, Monticello. The award winning Bernard Woma and
the Saakumu Dance Troupe is one of the leading
traditional/contemporary dance and music group in Ghana, West
Africa. Their music and dance range from spiritual, ceremonial,
recreational genres to contemporary African dance forms. Their
music and dance is joyful, expressive and highly participatory.
Bernard Woma has shared the performance stage with renowned
artists such as Maya Angelou, Yo Yo Ma, and Glen Velez. He has
performed for international dignitaries and presidents such as
U. S. president Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth
II. He was recently honored as the cultural resource person for
President Barack Obama's family when they visited Ghana. He is a
true cultural treasure from Ghana who has toured the world as
xylophonist and lead drummer of the National Dance Company of
Ghana. Bernard is an extremely dynamic artist and deeply
experienced educator. His recent appearances in the US include a
performance with New York Philharmonic at the Avery Fisher,
Lincoln Center, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Minnesota
Orchestra, residency with the Ethos Percussion group,
performances and teaching at New York's AXF: African Xylophone
Festival, and various universities and colleges. The performance
of his composition "Gyil Nyog Me Na" in the spring of 2006 at
Zankel Hall in Carnegie Hall is a testimony of his musicianship.
Bernard is the Artistic Director of Saakumu Dance Troupe and the
founder and director of the Dagara Music and Arts Center in
Accra, Ghana.
Tickets for this outstanding performance are priced at $5 with
group prices available. Tickets may be purchased at the door or
at Steve’s Music Center, Rock Hill, New York. The funds raised
through this event will be used to bring in future programs and
events in the arts for the students and community. For more
information regarding tickets, reservations, or group sales,
contact Ann Trombley, Monticello Grades 6-12 Head Music Teacher
at (845) 794-8840, ext. 10501 or Lori Orestano-James, Monticello
High School Assistant Principal at (845) 794-8840, ext. 10921.
For more information about Mr. Woma, visit www.dagaramusic.com.
Photo: Bernard Woma playing his authentic, handmade Ghanaian Xylophone.