October 20, 2008

Students will turn New Orleans experience into performances

The Black Cultural Center's Coffee House, which will be presented in association with the Black Student Union's Lip Sync Contest, will take place, Friday (Oct. 24) at 7 p.m. in Fowler Hall in Stewart Center. Admission is $5.

"This coffee house will be the raw or first public sharing of the research and work we have been doing this semester and folk should look forward to hearing amazing stories as they are interpreted through our ensembles," said Bill Caise, assistant director of the Black Cultural Center.

The New Directional Players will focus on the dramatic interpretation of the New Orleans experience. The Jahari Dance Troupe will perform a repertoire, including African, ballet, folk. Jazz and modern all used to interpret the New Orleans experience.

The Haraka Writers, a group of student poets, essayists and short-story writers, will share poetry on the history and personal stories of the people they met in New Orleans.

The Black Voices of Inspiration, a choir that specializes in gospel music, spirituals and contemporary songs by African-American composers, will explore the sacred and secular sides of the New Orleans experience through song.

The Coffee House performances are a preview of the Black Cultural Center's Cultural Arts Festival, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 5 in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse.

Writer: Clyde Hughes, (765) 494-2073, jchughes@purdue.edu

Sources: Renee A. Thomas, (765) 494-3091, rathomas@purdue.edu

Bill Caise (765) 494-3091, wpcaise@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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