Staff Pick

Ethos Percussion Group, Glen Velez and Bernard Woma
February 15
Robert Novak, Musician, Department of Dance

Friday, February 15th at 8:00 p.m., the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center will present the Ethos Percussion Group, Glen Velez and Bernard Woma in concert. To see any one of these performing artists would be an experience in and of itself. The opportunity to experience them collectively, in the same room on the same night, is one I wouldn't want to miss. These are six astounding artists who create music at the highest level imaginable.

Percussion and rhythm are the common threads that bind these artists. This concert will combine traditional Ghanaian music, drumming traditions of the Mediterranean, Middle East, South India, and music written for percussion by contemporary composers. Finding a way to connect the music of contrasting cultures is always a challenge, and I believe that there is no better way to do so than through the medium of percussion.

(I recommend visiting each of these artist's websites to help better understand what each has to offer: Glenvelez.com, bernardwoma.com, ethospercussiongroup.com.)

As a percussionist who has had the opportunity to study and perform with Glen Velez, I have found over the years just how much of an influence he was on my playing and approach to music. Whether overtone singing, or effortlessly playing the Riq or ancient Bendir, Velez immerses himself into the music, taking the listener on a journey with him.

Music created by the masters of percussion, with passion, dexterity, and artistry: How could anyone say no? I wouldn�t miss this magnificent collaboration. Hope to see you there.

back to Staff Picks Main Page