Detroit Inst. Of Arts Celebrates African Music, Through African Eyes

Detroit, MI – In conjunction with the exhibition Through African Eyes: The European in African Art, 1500 to Present, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) presents two great musical acts from West Africa: Burkina Electric on Friday, June 18, and Kusun on Friday, June 25. Times are 7 and 8:30 p.m. The museum is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, with drop-in workshops, drawing in the galleries, and guided tours. As part of the DIA’s Friday Night Live, activities are free with museum admission.

On Sunday, June 27, a special Through African Eyes Family Day will feature an extended performance by Kusun as well as a demonstration by Ghanaian artist Joye Opoku Ofei. Activities are free with museum admission (additional charge for the exhibition. As part of this special Family Day, and in partnership with the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the DIA is offering tickets to Through African Eyes for $8 (includes museum admission) for Charles Wright Museum members.

Burkina Electric Friday, June 18, 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Burkina Electric is the first electronica band from Burkina Faso, located in West Africa. Their music combines the traditions and rhythms of Burkina Faso with contemporary electronic dance culture, making it a trailblazer in electronic world music. This diverse and talented group consists of four musicians and two dancers who collectively participate in the creative process and represent disparate musical genres and sounds from across the globe.

Kusun, Friday, June 25, 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Founded by West African percussionist Nii Tettey Tetteh, the Kusun ensemble features an extraordinary group of musicians and dancers from Ghana, West Africa. Although rooted in traditional music from Ghana, the ensemble has developed a new brand of music and dance they have nicknamed "Nokoko." They have created innovative rhythms and dances by fusing bass and lead guitar, electrifying jazz and African rhythms, and traditional Ghanaian instruments.

Through African Eyes Family Day, Sunday, June 27, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Artist Demonstration: Joye Opoku Ofei: Noon–4 p.m.

Born in Ghana, West Africa, artist and graphic designer Joye Opoku Ofei shares his rich culture through his captivating painting style.

Family Performance: Kusun: 2 p.m.

In this special family-oriented presentation, the musicians and dancers give an exciting and educational performance with audience participation and explanations of the instruments and dances they employ.

Founded by West African percussionist Nii Tettey Tetteh, The Kusun Ensemble features an extraordinary group of musicians and dancers from Ghana, West Africa. Although rooted in traditional music from Ghana, the ensemble has developed a new brand of music and dance they have dubbed "Nokoko." They have created innovative rhythms and dances by fusing bass and lead guitar, electrifying jazz, African rhythms, and traditional Ghanaian instruments

Drop-in workshops, guided tours, and drawing in the galleries are also offered from noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets for Through African Eyes are $12 for adults, $6 for ages 6-17, and free for DIA members. The exhibition is free with museum admission on Fridays. Visit www.dia.org for more information.

Hours and Admission

Museum hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for ages 6-17, and free for DIA members. For membership information call 313-833-7971.

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The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), one of the premier art museums in the United States, is home to more than 60,000 works that comprise a multicultural survey of human creativity from ancient times through the 21^st century. From the first van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum (Self Portrait, 1887), to Diego Rivera's world-renowned Detroit Industry murals (1932–33), the DIA's collection is known for its quality, range, and depth. As the DIA celebrates its 125^th anniversary in 2010, it does so with renewed commitment to its visitor-centered experience and to its mission of creating opportunities for all visitors to find personal meaning in art.

Programs are made possible with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the City of Detroit.