When: November 6, 2009 7pm
Where: Hill Auditorium
Tickets: $10 (may be purchased at the League, leftover tickets sold on the night of the show)
Musicians
Bryan Dyer, Vocals
Zoe Ellis, Vocals
Steve Hogan, Beatboxing
Keith Terry, Body Music
Kenny Washington, Vocals
Destani Wolf, Vocals
Dancers
Evie Ladin
Nuria Bowart
Namita Kapoor
Apparently, Keith Terry and his band will perform a concert using themselves as the instruments in a concept known as “body music.” Feet stamping, fingerpopping, and chest whomping are just a few of the different actions used to create a percussion noises in this dance-like show. The program will be announced by the artists from the stage – I’m curious to see what the names of the dances/pieces will be called! What do you all think about this new “form” of art?
I think this is far from a “new form of art”. Perhaps it is new to see the University Musical Society present it as a “legitimate” art form. Or perhaps it is new to see a 50+ year old white man perform it at Rackham Auditorium to a, likely, very white audience. However, I do believe this performance will have very deep roots within the African-American tradition of stepping and step teams. Although, I am no expert on stepping, even this will further find its roots in traditional Caribbean and African dance.
Steppin’ on the Blues seems to provide a bit more background-
http://mirlyn-classic.lib.umich.edu/F/RHHDTAII9Y86ANPM2QB2U2YU731UFEEB2QSY5USRHM6QQ1H7NS-06259?func=full-set-set&set_number=010678&set_entry=000016&format=999
Hey Bennett,
You’re right – “body music” is a very old form of art and I can definitely see a connection to the African-American tradition of stepping and step teams. Thanks for your comment!