SMU Page Series to feature African song, dance Oct. 28

WINONA, Minn. — The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa will combine various African music styles into an explosion of color, sound and dance, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, on the Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theater stage.

Dressed in colorful costumes, the ensemble’s two-dozen musicians will blend together traditional African rhythms, instruments, folklore and mythology to create a beautiful musical performance. The ensemble incorporates authentic oral, musical and dance styles from African nations such as Togo, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Benin, The Ivory Coast and Mauritania.

Past notable performers for the ensemble include singer Oumou Sangare and Toumany Diabate, the prince of Kora. The ensemble has performed many concerts around the world, including stops in France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Antilles.

Tickets for the Page Theatre performance are $22, $18 for seniors, $18 for students, and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.