Very important to learning
about a country’s culture, is exposure to its artistic traditions. The
University of Michigan affords these opportunities through the work of the
University of Michigan Music Society (UMS). Through UMS, you will not only have opportunities to
experience elements of American arts but also, you will be exposed to various
international artistes that the University of Michigan brings to the campus
each year. This, in addition to
the fact that UM hosts many international students/scholars, is confirmation of
the University’s welcoming of diversity!
At the start of the winter
semester, I attended an excellent Martin Luther King Junior Day concert titled, From Cass Corridor to the
World: A Tribute to Detroit’s Musical Golden Age. This show brought together a range of musical styles
from gospel, to Motown, rap, to Jazz and featured the sons and daughters of
Detroit across the age spectrum.
The renditions were soulful and spirited. The audience was lively and
fully engaged. The only problem was that we could only dance in our seats.
A fabulous Saturday night
concert by the young American bassist and singer Esperanza Spaulding came at the end of winter semester. Her musical selections
were a mixture of traditional Jazz standards and original songs. Her originals consisted of compositions
expressing her deep feelings on human connection, communication, growth and
healing. Ms. Spaulding is clearly both a competent bassist and a singer with
unique, evocative and highly personal vocal stylings. She is
without a doubt deeply human, deeply thoughtful and a messenger of peace.
Of the concerts I attended,
the highlight was that of Gilberto Gil, a famous Brazilian vocalist/guitarist and now, Minister of Culture of
Brazil. While his concert was held
during the fall semester, I thought I’d share it with you last because I have
so much more to say about this event. Mr. Gil’s show represented
one of the best international offerings of the Music Society for the academic
year 2012-2013. This artiste not
only performed spectacularly on voice and guitar but covered a wide swathe of
the human tapestry of issues, concerns, and emotions. Like Esperanza Spaulding,
Gilberto Gil compelled one to think of the depth of human connection across
differences. For much of the
concert many people (including me) danced in their seats and afterwards, I felt
the need to somehow find time to explore the work of other Brazilian musicians,
artists, historians and cultural commentators.
What was also great about
this particular concert, was that for UM students, it was an “Arts and Eats” occasion.
This means that one comes to the Hill Auditorium at an earlier hour than the
show’s start time, have some pizza and hear an informative talk about the performer’s
life and work. The talk on
Gilberto Gil and the history of his musical evolution was done by a University
of Michigan professor who provided an excellent but simply expressed
historical/cultural background to the music. It was both a time to be educated
and a time to have fellowship and fun with friends.
The Music Society offers
not only music of various genres, but dance, plays and theater!
To view excerpts of
performances and hear the excitement of Music Society organizers as they speak
about what they offer to students and other patrons, follow the link below:
Also be sure to go to the “Best
of Artists’ Playlist” where you can listen to some great performances: http://www.umslobby.org/index.php/category/listen
What you will see and hear at
these links is merely a slice of what UMS offers.
A sampling of this year’s
(2013 to 2014) schedule is as follows:
·
September 6, 2013: Jason Moran’s Fats Waller Dance Party at the Downtown
Home and Garden
·
September 27, 2013: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the Power Center
·
March 30, 2014: Jazz at the Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis at the
Hill Auditorium.
For more, go to the full
year schedule, http://ums.org/tickets/2013-2014-season-listing which
combines US artists with a range of world artistes – from Mali, Israel, Germany,
and Britain, among others. The
shows encompass jazz and classical music as well as Qawwali Music of Pakistan, and many more.
To get cheaper ticket prices, please be sure to look at the menu to the
left of the screen and click “for college students”. Within this section of the
website you will find the menu items: “half-price tickets”, “UMS Rush Tickets”
and the “Arts and Eats” tickets.
You may purchase online or in person at the Michigan League.
Also, ensure that you pay close attention to the
various dates, times and locations of the concerts. Be at the right place at
the right time! Whether you attend alone or with a group of friends, many of
these concerts/productions can be great cultural learning experiences! Written By: Jennifer Pollard, PhD. Student in Higher Education
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