AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE TO PERFORM

Wed., Apr 30

For a decade, The Afro-Semitic Experience has wowed audiences with its unique blend of African-American and Jewish musical traditions. Now, in a special 10th anniversary concert at Southern on April 30, the group will showcase the cross-cultural musical style that has made them famous. The concert will feature David Chevan, bass, and Warren Byrd, piano, with additional guest artists Baba David Coleman, Will Bartlett, Stacy Phillips and Babafemi Alvin Carter, Jr.

The group originated with African-American pianist Warren Byrd and Jewish-American bassist David Chevan, who is also a professor of music at Southern. At the time they both belonged to the New Haven-based jazz group, Bassology, and they were interested in finding a musical setting where they might be able to explore not only the sacred sounds of Jewish and African-American music, but the secular as well. It was not long before they began adding new material to the Bassology set lists. Soon the group was jamming on klezmer, gospel songs, spirituals and Yiddish songs, along with their usual assortment of jazz and world music pieces. Chevan says, "There's a lot of joy in the music."

The concert will take place at 8 p.m. in the Charles Garner Recital Hall (Engleman Hall C-112). Admission is $5 at the door, and the public is invited. Call (203) 392-6630 for more information. Don't miss this unique musical experience!