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Show MONDAY, JULY 17, 2000 Obo Addy and · Kukrudu set Concert Series show Obo Addy and his eight-piece ensemble of African and American musicians will perform a synthesis of musical styles on Ghanaian percussion and traditional Western instruments at a July 23 concert at Southern Utah University. · Addy, who is a prominent member of the first generation of African musicians to bring their traditional and popular music to Europe and America , calls his group "Kukrudu." Addy and Kukrudu, which was formed 20 years ago, will be the featured artists at SUU's Summer Evening Concert Series presentation . The concert will begin at 7 p.m .' in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. No admission will be charged, and the public is invited to attend. In addition to the ritualistic music he learned from his father, a Wonche Priest of the Ga culture in Ghana, Addy's musical background also includes the flashy international pop music he performed as a young professional with big bands in Accra, the capital of Ghana . After moving away from performing Western standards on the nightclub circuit, Addy joined the National Arts Council of Ghana, becoming a PAGE 7 UNIVERSITY JOURNAL ARTS master in the traditional music and dance of the many cultures in Ghana. He moved to the United States over 20 years ago and n.ow lives in Portland, Ore. , where he teaches music at both Lewis and Clark College and Portland State University. In 1996, Addy was awarded a National Endowment for Arts' National Heritage Fellowship award , the highest honor given by that organization for folk and traditional arts. The NEA noted that Addy had been "a proponent of the traditional rhythms of his homeland , and he has blended jazz 1 and European pop in a quest for musical innovation.· "We are anticipating a program featuring the blend of African and European instrumentation in a style known as 'highlife,'" Marla Bingham , coordinator of the concert series, said. "Addy will be prominent in performances on the drums. He was designated a 'master drummer' in Ghana at age six, and he is referred to as a 'percussionist of consummate skill.· He is also a singer and a vocal music arranger." Kukrudu plays original numbers which have developed from highlife music. The program will include a look at the history of Ghana's music. ~ ~~ ~ ~~ Thinking about a new ~ career? Enroll Now! In Less than 9 Months You can become a: • Dental A ssistant • Medieal Assistan t • Pharmacy Technician • Oph thalmic A ssistant* • Dental Lab Technician * • Medieal-Dental Secretary f'rovo CiJmpus Only Federal Financial Aid Available to Eligible Students 0 Call us for more information! St. George (800) 652-0907 OF ..r:; ·E ,::, N ..r:; .~ C ::, ::,i Provo (800) 377-2907 MEDICA L-DENTAL TECHNOlOQY LOW ! student ! Airfares lI ~ I• ~ ~ ~·--····~-··-··--~···-··-·~ - ···-·--~------ ·~······ ~ ·· ~ |