Purdue Black Voices of Inspiration celebrates talent, culture

Twana Harris
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"The Black Voices of Inspiration spent this semester focusing on the roots of African- American music and culture," said Twana A. Harris, artist in residence for the choir at the Black Cultural Center. "Of course, no BVOI concert would be complete without the performance of gospel music."

The concert will include the work "Changed My Name," a composition that chronicles the lives of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. It was written by Linda Twine, whose musical accomplishments include a variety of spiritual and jazz compositions, as well as more than 30 years' experience as a musical director on Broadway. Twine is currently the musical director/conductor of "The Color Purple" on Broadway.

Jennifer Stokes (left), Andrea Russell (center), and Samantha Steen
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This musical celebration will also include the premiere of a jazz piece by composer/arranger Kirby Shaw that was commissioned by the Black Cultural Center. Shaw's choral arrangements and compositions are sung all over the world by traditional, jazz and show choirs. This is the first of many commissioned pieces that the choir hopes to premiere.

Chris Bolton

Singer/songwriter Chris Bolton will be the special guest at the concert. Bolton has worked with Chaka Khan and Kirk Franklin, and met members of the choir while on the Black Cultural Center's research tour to Hollywood last fall.

"The audience can expect to be moved, inspired and thoroughly entertained," Harris said. "We hope to remember those who have struggled for freedom and equality, as well as honor the spirit and the faith that contributes so much to the identity of all peoples, especially those of color. There will be something for everyone."

Established in 1975, the Black Voices of Inspiration is committed to the performance of the music of African Americans. Its repertoire consists of traditional Negro spirituals, contemporary gospel music and popular songs of inspiration. The choir is one of four performing arts ensembles that are housed within the Black Cultural Center.

Tickets are $5 for Purdue students and $7 for the public, and children under 12 are free. Group tickets are available at $5 each for 15 or more. Call the Loeb Box Office at (765) 494-3933.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Sources: Renee Thomas, BCC director, (765) 494-3092, rathomas@purdue.edu

Twana Harris, TwinkSong@aol.com

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

PHOTO CAPTION:
Jennifer Stokes (left), a senior in agriculture from Detroit; Andrea Russell (center), a junior in industrial technology from Indianapolis; and Samantha Steen, a sophomore in liberal arts from Indianapolis, rehearse for Purdue's Black Voices of Inspiration's spring concert April 2. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)

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