KU World Percussion Ensembles celebrating 10 years with free concert
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Music invites the community to experience an electrifying evening of rhythm, culture and collaboration at Azad’s 10th Annual KU World Percussion Ensembles Concert, taking place at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Lawrence Arts Center.
The concert is a celebration of all things percussion at KU — and a tribute to the leadership of K.R. Azad, whose work has shaped KU’s world percussion program for a decade. Featuring more than 60 student performers on stage, the event brings together a wide range of global percussion traditions in one performance.
This year’s concert will also welcome special guest artist Dendê Macêdo, an internationally acclaimed percussionist from Salvador, Brazil, whose work is deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian musical traditions.
“One of my life’s goals is to help bring people together through music from around the world, and this concert is a spectacular way of doing just that with over 60 percussion students sharing the stage,” said Dylan Bassett, world percussion lecturer in the School of Music. “I love hearing the packed house cheer for our students as they play with energy and life, especially when the show ends with 60 percussionists on stage together.”
Performing ensembles include:
- KU Percussion Group
- KU West African Drum Ensemble
- KU Jazz Combo
- KU Steel
- KU Drum Set Studio
- KU Frame Drum Ensemble
- Rock Chalk Drummers
- KU Marching Jayhawks Drumline.
Admission is free and open to all KU students and the public. A suggested donation is requested from community members to support KU percussion programs.