50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED WITH AFRICAN DANCE AND MUSIC
On April 16, 1969, the UAlbany Performing Arts Center officially opened its doors. In celebration of this golden anniversary, there will be a free performance by Saakumu, a dance and drum ensemble from Ghana, on that same date fifty years later. The performance is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 7pm. A reception for the artists and the audience will follow in the Performing Arts Center’s lounge.
Saakumu means traditions and, as the name implies, the company derives its repertoire from a variety of both traditional and contemporary cultures. Driven by a passion for bringing innovative dances and world music to their audiences, the company is one of the leading dance and music groups in Ghana, West Africa. Created by master musician Bernard Woma, the group will perform from their repertoire of spiritual, ceremonial, traditional and contemporary African dance accompanied by live music that is joyful, expressive and highly participatory.
Marking their twelfth tour of the United States, the company will be in the country from February through April. In addition to their visit to UAlbany, they will also be appearing at Alfred University, Buffalo State University, Villa Maria College, University of Missouri and SUNY Fredonia. On previous U.S. tours, the company has had stops at New York University, Indiana University, Berklee College of Music, Colorado State University, Eastman School of Music, Akron University, Goddard College, Hamlin University, Concordia College, Northern Michigan University and Babson College, among others.
Admission is free and no tickets are required. For further information, contact the Box Office at (518) 442-3997.
Black Faculty and Staff Association 