Experience the World of Percussion at Ohio Festivals
International Music and Performing Arts in Communities Tour Presents Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra
by Kathy Burgan

A high-energy celebration of polyphonic rhythms will be presented as part of performance series in Ohio communities this summer that will feature Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra. Spoken Hand is touring the state as part of the Ohio Arts Council’s Summer International Music and Performing Arts in Communities Tour (IMPACT).

Spoken Hand will perform three shows, July 17-28. Performance locations include Springfield, Lakeside and Ashland. All performances are free and open to the public.

IMPACT is presented by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) in partnership with the Ohio Arts Presenters Network (OAPN) and Arts Midwest.

Spoken Hand began in 1996, when drummer Daryl Kwasi Burgee invited tabla player Lenny Seidman to join in the final ceremony of the 1996 AfricAmericas Festival at Philadelphia’s African American Museum. Seidman brought with him a four man tabla batterie, and the concept of Spoken Hand was born. The synergy of the ensemble, whose drummers concentrated the richness and variety of a traditional drumming community on a single stage, resulted in a powerful, joyous ceremony, celebrated by artists and audiences alike. Burgee and Seidman set out to explore the potential of this phenomenon, fueled by a desire to see the collaboration extend past a one-time engagement. The ensemble made their national debut in 1998, playing to a sold-out house at the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. Since then, Spoken Hand has established itself as one of the most unique and vibrant groups performing in the genre of world music, showing a willingness to creatively extend themselves.

Summer IMPACT will feature educational outreach programs in each community in addition to the performances. For more information visit the Ohio Arts Council Web site at www.oac.state.oh.us, call 614/466-2613 or e-mail kathy.cain@oac.state.oh.us.

Since 1998, IMPACT has been bringing international artists to Ohio each fall for a statewide tour of places of worship. Because of its popularity, the OAC, OAPN and Arts Midwest have partnered to create Summer IMPACT. Summer IMPACT continues the tradition of exposing new audiences to art forms from around the world through performances and festivals that unite communities around the state. IMPACT is designed to bring the best international performing arts groups to audiences in Ohio.

The Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio Arts Presenters Network began their unique partnership in 1998 with the presentation of Barocco Andino, a Chilean music ensemble. In following years, the OAC brought international artists Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre, Viva Quetzal, Cuerdas de Fuego, Real Tango, Eblen Macari Trio and El Arranque Tango Orchestra to Ohio for a statewide tour of churches and synagogues. In 2004, the OAC initiated the Summer IMPACT with performances of Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre at festivals throughout the state and continued with America Indigena in 2005.

The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.

Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra
Schedule of Performances
July 2006

All performances are free and open to the public.

Springfield
Thursday, July 20, 8 p.m.
Veterans Park Amphitheatre
250 Cliff Park Rd.
Springfield OH 45504
Presented by Springfield Arts Council
www.springfieldartscouncil.org
937/324-2712

Lakeside
Monday, July 24, 8:15 p.m.
Hoover Auditorium
3rd St & Walnut Avenue
Lakeside OH 43440
Presented by Lakeside Association
www.lakesideohio.com
419/798-4461

Ashland
Thursday, July 27, 8 p.m.
Myers Memorial Band Shell
Parkside Drive, Brookside Park
Ashland OH 44805
Presented by City of Ashland
www.ashlandarts.org
419/281-9836

PHOTO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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