NEWS West Virginia University at Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104
Phone: 304-424-8203 | Fax: 304-424-8315
WVU Parkersburg's Distinguished Performance Series to present Sweet Honey in the Rock Oct. 11th.
CONTACT: H.G. Young III, professor of music and DP Series coordinator, 304-424-8248.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWest Virginia University at Parkersburg's Distinguished Performance Series will present the Grammy-award winning African-American a capella women’s ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock at 7 p.m., Thursday, October 11 in the College Activities Center.
Rooted in a deeply held commitment to create music out of the rich textures of African American legacy and traditions, this internationally renowned ensemble possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures the complex sounds of blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, hip hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz improvisations. Sweet Honey in the Rock’s collective voice, occasionally accompanied by hand percussion, produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms.
Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon in 1973 at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company, the group has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture of Washington, D.C., and in communities of conscience around the world.
The ensemble’s name comes from Psalm 81:16, the promise to a people being fed by honey out or the rock. Honey is an ancient substance, sweet and nurturing, and Rock represents an elemental strength, enduring the winds of time. The metaphor captures the spirit of these African American women whose repertoire is steeped in the sacred music of the Black church, the clarion calls of the civil rights movement, and songs of the struggle for justice everywhere.
This performance is presented with financial support of the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Masterpieces program, a major initiative to acquaint Americans with the best of their culture and artistic legacy, and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Additional funding provided by the WVU at Parkersburg social justice committee through the sponsorship of the WV Higher Policy Commission and Council for Community and Technical College Education.
Sweet Honey in the Rock's presentation is part of WVU Parkersburg’s Diversity Week observance. The program will be sign language interpreted.
Tickets are available in the college business office. They are adults $10; students $5.
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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203, Office)
(304-424-8315, Fax)