Fulcrum Point and West African Musicians Present AFRO-BEATS! at UChicago's Logan Center Today

In just under two weeks, the Fulcrum Point New Music Project ensemble, led by Artistic Director Stephen Burns, teams up with West African music and dance experts to present Afro-Beats! in a special encore engagement at the Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th Street, today, March 23 at 2 p.m.

Afro-Beats! is a festive and interactive performance designed for the whole family. As with its popular 2012 debut concert at the Harris Theater, concert Fulcrum Point explores the rich rhythms, sounds and images of West Africa in this 75-minute multimedia performance, featuring works by Fela Kuti, Thelonious Monk, Pacquito d'Rivera, Steve Reich, and traditional music from Mandingo and African-American cultures.

Children of all ages will be invited to participate in drumming circles, traditional African dances and soulful songs. This concert is part of the Logan Center Family Series.

Guest musicians and dancers for Afro-Beats! include Idy Ciss (dancer and former member of the National Ballet), Jim Gailloreto (accomplished jazz saxophonist, arranger and composer), John Knecht (a master drum player), Morikeba Kouyate (master of the kora and West African oral tradition), and students from the Woodlawn Elementary Band and Djemble Ensemble, who participate in Fulcrum Point's Sound Tracks PLUS Chicago Public School program.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and available through the Logan Center at 773-702-2787.

Since its formation by trumpet virtuoso and conductor Stephen Burns in 1998 under the auspices of Performing Arts Chicago, the mission of Fulcrum Point New Music Project has been to champion new classical music and highlight contemporary composers who are inspired and influenced by popular culture, including literature, film, dance, folk, rock, jazz, blues, Latin and world music. Through multi-disciplinary concert performances and educational programs, the 25-member Fulcrum Point ensemble seeks to encourage audiences to make cross-cultural connections between new music, art, technology and literature, gaining greater insight into today's diverse world. Burns, himself, has been acclaimed on four continents for his widely varied performances encompassing recitals, orchestral appearances, chamber ensemble engagements, and innovative multi-media presentations involving video, dance theatre and sculpture. For more information on Fulcrum Point and its programs visit www.fulcrumpoint.org.