The Harris Theater for Music and Dance concludes its 2011-2012 Family Series and celebrates Black History Month with Afro-Beats!, a festive and interactive performance perfect for the whole family onSaturday, February 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm. Join the Fulcrum Point New Music Project, dancer Idy Ciss, saxophonist Jim Gailloreto, Morikeba Kouyate on the kora, and students from the Fulcrum Point Sound Tracks program as they explore the rich rhythms, sounds and images of West Africa in this 75-minute multimedia performance. Children of all ages are invited to participate in drumming circles, traditional African dances, and soulful songs in this spirited performance which features works by Fela Kuti, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Steve Reich, and traditional music from Mandingo and African-American cultures.
With individual tickets priced at just $10 each, the whole family can attend affordable and exceptional live music and dance performances that enrich their lives. Tickets are available at the Harris Theater box office located in Millennium Park at 205 E. Randolph Dr., by calling 312-334-7777 or by visiting www.harristheaterchicago.org.
The performance continues for 30 children and family members from the Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest, a Harris Theater Access Tickets Program partner, who will make their way to the Harris Theater stage for a very special “Africa” workshop as part of Fulcrum Point’s SOUND TRACKS educational outreach program. Students and their families will have the opportunity to meet four of the featured musicians, including the Kora Master Morykeba, and will receive a lesson on how to play the African Drums. They will then join the musicians for a “jam session” where they can improvise on the drums and tell their own story through music.
“The Harris Theater’s Access Tickets Program was developed to ensure that Chicago’s next generation of arts lovers has the ability to attend high-quality, interactive and educational programs that are perfect for the whole family, regardless of their financial means,” said Michael Tiknis, President and Managing Director of the Harris Theater. “In just three years, we have distributed more than 2,500 complimentary tickets through partnerships with 23 local health and human service organizations, including the Starlight Children’s Foundation Midwest. It has been our privilege to partner with them to provide this wonderful opportunity for their children and families to get up close and personal attention from the artists of the Fulcrum Point New Music Project.”
Biographies
Idy Ciss
Originally from Senegal, Idy Ciss is a former member of the National Ballet. He is a full time member of the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago offering his expertise as a consultant, choreographer and principal dancer. Idy teaches West African Dance classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Lycee Francais de Chicago, Soulistic Studio & Spa and Joel Hall Dance Center. He was recently awarded The Joseph Holmes Award for Best Choreography in a Music/Dance Program for choreography of Dekkal Thiossane (Rebirth of Culture) by the Black Theater Alliance Awards, Inc.
Morikeba Kouyate
Morikeba Kouyate is known throughout West Africa for his electrifying performances and virtuosity with the traditional the Kora, an ancient 21- string instrument from the West African countries of The Gambia, Senegal, and Mali that is part of Africa’s rich spiritual music tradition. Morikeba Kouyate was born and raised into a family of Griots, or Jalis, in Bounkiling, Senegal. He began his training at the age of eight and was performing professionally by the age of fourteen. He became successful and well-known for his expert storytelling and Kora playing. As a result of his success, Morikeba was given the opportunity to have his own radio program in Dakar, Senegal. His show was aired throughout Senegal and several other African countries. He also made numerous appearances on Senegalese television. Morikeba Kouyate has played before African royalty and the Presidents of several countries, including Senegal and The Gambia. He is a recipient of a 2002 Illinois Arts Council grant for the Master-Apprentice Program; a 2003-2005 Illinois Arts Council Artstour artist; and a recipient of a 2003 City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) grant. Additionally, Morikeba has given workshops around the country and has taught and performed at Harvard, DePaul, Northwestern, Xavier, and many other universities. Mr. Kouyate performs year-round throughout the United States and currently resides in New Orleans.
