[371] “AFROFLOW” BRINGS HEALTHY MESSAGE THROUGH MUSIC, DANCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 18, 2009
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081

“AFROFLOW” BRINGS HEALTHY MESSAGE THROUGH MUSIC, DANCE
National Tour Presents Ethiopian Culture, Health and Wellness through Expression

(MURFREESBORO) – MTSU will host the groundbreaking national tour known as Afroflow, a mesmerizing intercultural stage performance combined with a powerful message, at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, on the University Honors College lawn.
Afroflow emphasizes the overall wellness of the mind and body that can be embodied by and achieved through self-expression. The Detroit-based tour partners with the American Cancer Society, clothier Pelle Pelle and Fuze beverages.
Ethiopian-American artist, spoken word poet, actor and philanthropist Michael “MIKE-E” Ellison is among the performers slated to appear. MIKE-E achieved worldwide recognition with his hit “Ethiopia (Everything Will Be Alright)” and his support of orphan outreach and health care programs. Ellison is noted for his repeat performances on HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam” and for the inclusion of his music in various campaign videos for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Also slated to perform are Djembe drummer Sowande Keita, R&B vocalist Kenny Watson, and internationally known mixer DJ Invisible, who weaves intricate cuts, scratches and musical tapestries into the live stage show.
MTSU’s Electronic Media Communication and Recording Industry departments will produce the concert and film a music video and footage for a documentary on Afroflow, hip-hop and culture, particularly Ethiopian culture. Student dancers, including Ethiopian dancers, poets, rappers and singers are invited to take part. The event also will include step teams, art displays, the student performance collective Word Up, and information about MTSU’s international community.
This event is free and open to the public and hosted by Omega Delta Psi recording industry fraternity and the Association of Recording Management Students/Grammy U Network. Sponsors include the Distinguished Lecture Committee, the Center for Popular Music, the Office of International Programs and Services and the Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs.

--more--






AFROFLOW
Add 1

In case of inclement weather, the performance will move to the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building.
For more information, contact Dr. Ramona DeSalvo at 615-898-5304 or rdesalvo@mtsu.edu, or go to www.afroflow.com and www.cancer.org (American Cancer Society).

--30—

ATTENTION, MEDIA: For jpeg photos of MIKE-E, Kenny Watson, Sowande Keita and DJ Invisible, contact Gina Logue in the MTSU Office of News and Public Affairs at 615-898-5081 or gklogue@mtsu.edu.