October 20, 2004
Afro-Caribbean culture inspires music-dance performance
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Jorge Arce will provide a unique view of Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean culture when he performs Nov. 10 as part of Purdue University's Black Cultural Center's Cultural Arts Series.
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"Arce tells his story through music, dances, lore, stories and history," said Renee Thomas, director of the Black Cultural Center (BCC). "During the BCC research tour to Puerto Rico in October, students learned about Afro-Caribbean music and dances, such as Plena, in a workshop. We're looking forward to sharing his enthusiasm with the Purdue community."
The performance, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall.
The BCC series is designed to provide a balanced overview of the Afro-Latin experience, and Arce will help students gain greater understanding of the cultural heritage and similarities between African and Latin culture, Thomas said.
Audience involvement is key to Arce's performances, with participants joining in on drums, rhythm instruments, stories and dances. He shows participants techniques that have been handed down for more than two centuries.
Arce was born in a working-class neighborhood of Ponce, Puerto Rico, and went on to receive a master's degree in education from Harvard University in 1994. He conceived his musical group Humano by combining elements of tradition with community and cultural awareness, which he shares through workshops and performances.
He has received numerous awards, including the Cardinal Cushing Center Award for Outstanding Services to the Community, the Alianza Hispana Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to the Continuing Growth and Success of the Hispanic Community, the Mayor's Recognition to Outstanding Contributions to the City of Boston, the Massachusetts House of Representatives Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts and the Dryslongo Award for years given consistently to the anti-racism struggle.
Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, news.writer@purdue.edu
Source: Renee Thomas, (765) 494-3092, rathomas@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Related Web site:
Community Arts Advocates description of Arce
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