African Music & Dance
UVA African Music and Dance Ensemble directed by Michelle Kisliuk welcomes Nani Agbeli to the stage of Old Cabell Hall on Friday, April 20 at 8pm. This event is free and open to the public.
Born into a family of prominent dancers and drummers in Ghana’s Volta region, guest artist Nani Agbeli is known for his energy, athleticism, and precision on stage, and is one of the leading Ghanaian dancers of his generation. Nani was trained by his father, the late Godwin K. Agbeli, who performed with the Arts Council of Ghana Folklore Company and later served as chairman of the Ghanaian National Association of Cultural Groups.
In the United States, Nani has taught Ghanaian drumming and dancing and led performing ensembles notably at Tufts University and Harvard University among others. In addition, he has taught at Berklee College of Music, the Edna Manley School in Jamaica, Bowling Green University, and the University of Virginia, and has held artistic residencies at many other colleges.
Nani currently lives in Los Angeles where he is a Professor and Director of Ghanaian West African Music, Dance and Arts at The Herb Alpert School of Musc at California Institute of the Arts
The African Music & Dance Ensemble explores traditional music and dance forms from West Africa (Ghana, Togo). Directed by Michelle Kisliuk, the ensemble holds several performances a year, including outreach events in the Charlottesville community. Spectators are often invited to join in the dancing and singing. The group also hosts special guests for concerts and workshops.
Old Cabell Hall is located on the south end of UVA's historic lawn, directly opposite the Rotunda (map). Parking is available in the Central Grounds parking garage on Emmet Street, in the C1 parking lot off McCormick Road, and in the parking lots at the UVA Corner.
Please call the Music Department at 434.924.3052 for more information.
All events are subject to change.