BGSU to hold 20th annual ArtsX on Dec. 7, celebrating rhythm and resonance

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Celebrating rhythm and resonance within the arts, Bowling Green State University will host the 20th annual ArtsX event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Fine Arts Center and the Wolfe Center for the Arts.

The free, public showcase will feature art, dance, theatre, film, writing and music with works by BGSU learning community members and guest artists Tumbao Bravo, Caña Flamenca and Mady Kouyate. Attendees of this year's ArtsX event will also have the opportunity to purchase unique, handmade gifts.

Tumbao Bravo
Formed in 2003 by reedman Paul VornHagen and conguero Alberto Nacif, Tumbao Bravo has released five critically acclaimed recordings of mostly original compositions that have been featured on jazz-focused public radio stations throughout the United States. Winner of the 2005, 2007 and 2013 Detroit Music Awards for Best Jazz Recording and Best World Music Band, the group has performed at all of the major Michigan jazz and music festivals.

Caña Flamenca
Griset Damas-Roche founded her dance company, Caña Flamenca, in 1998 when she moved to Bogotá, Colombia, from Havana, Cuba. Currently living in Columbus, Ohio, Damas-Roche is a dance teacher, choreographer and Flamenco dancer who has performed with world-renowned organizations, including the Spanish Ballet of Havana, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogotá, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. She is currently the artistic director of U Will Dance Studio and the director of the Flamenco Company of Columbus.

Mady Kouyate
Originally from Mali, West Africa, Mady Kouyate is a musician, singer and master of the kora, a traditional 21-stringed lute-bridge harp used by the Manding people of West Africa. Kouyate is known for his virtuosic playing style, as well as his powerful and emotive singing voice. He has released several albums as a solo artist and has also collaborated with other musicians and bands from West Africa. Kouyate currently lives in Michigan and performs regularly in the Detroit area.

Driving cultural vitality in the region and beyond for two decades, ArtsX at BGSU highlights the achievements and creativity of students, faculty and staff across various disciplines at the University. The annual showcase empowers BGSU learning community members to interact with and educate others while providing valuable experience in arts advocacy for volunteers and performers. ArtsX also introduces guest artists to K-12 students in northwest Ohio through live performances and workshops in area schools.

To individuals with disabilities, please indicate if you need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in this event by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495.

For more information, visit BGSU.edu/artsx.