Acoustic Africa: Afropean Woman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: October 9, 2012
Contact: Diana Roth, (412) 471-8717, roth@trustarts.org

Acoustic Africa: Afropean Woman

Thursday, November 8, 2012, Byham Theater

Pittsburgh, PA:  The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents Acoustic Africa: Afropean Woman, on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., at the Byham Theater.  This performance is part of the Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. Tickets ($23-$33) may be purchased in person at the Box Office at Theater Square 655 Penn Avenue, online at www.Trustarts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666.  For groups of 10 or more, call (412) 471-6930.

Photo by Dirk Leunis

This live music experience offers a rare glimpse into the depths and richness of the African vocal traditions with performances by up and coming female African vocal impresarios.  The Afropean Woman tour will feature Dobet Gnahoré, the Ivory Coast vocalist and dancer who has garnered a reputation as one of the most vibrant performers in world music; bassist and vocalist Manu Gallo, from the Ivory Coast, who gained acclamation as the bassist for Zap Mama and whose own music draws on rhythms of West Africa as well as funk, R&B; and Kareyce Fotso, a young Cameroonian singer whose music is an intriguing combination of Afro-pop, Blues, and traditional African music. Afropop Worldwide commented, “A beautiful and fascinating exchange going on between great artists…. 21st century troubadours…if you are in within range of any of these shows, don’t miss it!”

Dobet Gnahore    Photo Credit Dirk Leunis

Kareyce Fotso  Photo Credit Dirk Leunis

Manou Gallo  Photo Credit Dirk Leunis

These exceptional singers will be accompanied by Leni Stern, American contemporary guitarist and composer who gained wide acclaim for her four recordings of African influenced music; along with Ivorian’s balafonist Aly Keita and Tchango Kassoung on drums.  “The combination of musical ingredients stood out in the show. There’s something so magical about the African music,” Dan DeWayne, Director of Chico Performances.

The Afropean Woman tour is the third worldwide tour in the Acoustic Africa series. After an initial tour in 2006 saw such success the creators were motivated to continue creating collaborative tours of African musicians. These musicians are chosen from various nations to represent the diversity and culture that music facilitates worldwide. Powerful lyrics bring attention to the adversity these nations are facing socially and politically. Igniting an awareness globally of nations that are in turmoil, while bringing joy to the patrons through musical collaboration, Acoustic Africa is an impressive movement powered continually by diverse musical talent.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support.  The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.  www.Trustarts.org

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