Whether you're into pop, hip-hop, classical, new-age or rock, Friday night's concert by the World Music Percussion Ensemble at Spaulding Auditorium would have left you screaming for more. As the opening number began, what seemed like a classical production turned into a lively and energetic celebration of life, music and the colors of Mardi Gras.
The lights in Spaulding remained on when the members of the World Music Percussion Ensemble entered the stage. As people were still taking their seats in the packed house, a collection of beats and sounds was heard from the back of the auditorium.
A parade of musicians made their way down the aisle, using a variety of traditional and improvised instruments. As the group approached the stage, it was clear that the next few hours would be a rather enjoyable and unique experience.
Combining renowned international musicians and Dartmouth students, the World Music Percussion Ensemble is an upbeat group that takes pride in being loud and crazy.
Saturday's ensemble consisted of nearly 30 singers and musicians, all of different backgrounds and ages coming together to celebrate the Mardi Gras season.
The performance celebrated the music of Mardi Gras and featured a combination of Caribbean and African music, along with a few American favorites.
The open nature of the director, Hafiz Shabazz, is not typical of the theater community. When the performance began, he made it clear that he wanted the audience to shout from their seats and dance in the aisles, absorb the production and become part of the cast. He wanted people to interact with, and be a part of, the cross-cultural show.
And, with little exception, everyone got involved with the extravaganza.
A few people in the audience were eager enough to jump out from their seats and dance down the aisles, while others tapped their feet on the ground and shook their hands in the air.
Among the highlights of the performance was a beautiful rendition of "Mas Que Nada," sung by Michaella Frederick '04. Frederick led the ensemble in the performance of this historic song with her powerful voice and dance.
The second act began with a performance by Dartmouth Steel. The students performed a variety of instrumental pieces that were played on steel drums using elementary and hand-crafted instruments.
The group represented a range of interests, including members from both the freshman and senior classes. The combination of the group's unique instruments and clever manipulations created an incredible ambiance.
The Ensemble was as eager to enthuse the audience. Throughout the performance, Shabazz freely decided to change the organization of the program and even decided to play an extra piece at the end of the evening.
Works from musicians including the great James Brown, Rafael Flores and Jorge Ben highlighted the production. Each piece was individually crafted and refined by Shabazz so that his creative and individual touch could be sensed through every number.
The production exemplified the meaning of Mardi Gras. It was a time for thanks and celebration, an event meant to portray, honor and glorify nature and the blending of culture and romance.
Each piece in the program represented a mixture of Caribbean and traditional music, allowing the audience to experience a type of music that few are exposed to.
In the words of Shabazz, "Cultural blending of samba and soul music takes two well-seasoned musics and combines the best groove for a cultural emancipation and integration."
