It has been three years since PITT ARTS released the African American Arts Project monograph, Our Stories, Our Selves, co-authored by PITT ARTS Director, Annabelle Clippinger and Sarah E.J. Williams. In that study, PITT ARTS learned that creating many opportunities with African American arts forges bonds between the arts and African American students at the University of Pittsburgh, while also building a positive impact on retention.
“When students were asked if participating in PITT ARTS programs encouraged them to remain at Pitt, 72% of African American students who attended A3P programs responded either “yes” or “maybe."
This figure is impressive considering that universities nationally are examining issues of campus cultural vitality and retention. Considering that the Black graduation rate is over 10% lower than the 70.5% median graduation rate for similar institutions determined by The Education Trust, presenting arts that honor and educate students about their own cultures, in a positive manner and on a regular basis may be a strong factor in encouraging the retention of African American students at their universities all the way to graduation day.” (Excerpted from 2006, Our Stories, Ourselves, A3P: The African American Arts Project, Williams and Clippinger, page 26). The entire report can be viewed at www.pittarts.pitt.edu/about/research.php.
In the spirit of that endeavor, PITT ARTS has a significant number of African and African American Cheap Seats (discounted ticket) offerings from December and into the spring term presented by the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Manchester Craftsman’s Guild (MCG) Jazz, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Cheap Seats tickets can be purchased through PITT ARTS located at 929 William Pitt Union. Call 412-624-4498 or visit www.pittarts.pitt.edu for more information. Deadlines vary, so don’t wait!
AUGUST WILSON CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE PRESENTS:
at the August Wilson Center Theater
Daniel Bernard Roumain: Etudes4violin&electronix
Saturday, February 6 at 8:00 PM
$25.75 Orchestra, $24 Balcony
Think Bartok seasoned with hip-hop and it don’t stop for innovative composer, violinist and bandleader Daniel Bernard Roumain who also stirs in funk, rock, jazz and the flavors of his ancestral Haiti for a most intoxicating musical stew. His works range from chamber music and orchestral pieces to electronica; each of which is stamped with Roumain’s passion, imagination and flair. Explore seductive rhythms and pensive melodies as he performs selections from his solo album, “Etudes4violin&electronix”.
Tribute to Phyllis Hyman
Friday, February 19 at 8:00 PM
$28.25 Orchestra, $24 Balcony
Rediscover the regal beauty and vocal sophistication of the late Phyllis Hyman. Whether in a recording studio, on the Broadway stage or under the soft glow of an intimate jazz club, the Philadelphia-born, Pittsburgh-bred chanteuse sang with the kind of power and vulnerability rarely seen in today’s music industry. Local and national artists pay tribute to the singer by performing many of her greatest hits, including “No One Can Love You More” and “You Know How to Love Me”.
PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST PRESENTS:
PITT NIGHT: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Byham Theater
$36 Orchestra/Mezzanine, $18 Gallery
Ladysmith Black Mambazo threads the intricate rhythms and harmonies of its native South African musical traditions with the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The resulting musical and spiritual alchemy has touched millions worldwide. During the past four decades, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has garnered praise and accolades within the recording industry and solidified its identity as a prolific, cultural powerhouse.
PITT NIGHT with the Trust includes tickets, optional free transportation from the WPU and a pre-show dessert reception at the Byham Theater. Purchase at 929 WPU ONLY before it's sold out!
University of Pittsburgh PITT ARTS 907 William Pitt Union Pittsburgh, PA 15260 412-624-4498 pittarts@pitt.edu
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