Dana series offers diverse lineup

Classical Indian and Russian country music are part of YSU's world music series.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Cutumba's upcoming performance in Youngstown also marks the beginning of a fall series on world music that's being coordinated by Youngstown State University Dana School of Music and Fine and Performing Arts Series.
The goal is "to open the doors to more diverse music offerings," says Dr. Michael Crist, Dana School of Music's new director.
This commitment not only benefits music students, but the community at large. "There's such a diversity in this area. It would be great to try to identify each of the ethnic groups and offer some kind of cultural offering," Crist said.
Crist anticipates an annual series every fall and free admission whenever possible. Next year, Italian folk music may be among the selections, he added.
The lineup
This year's lineup is as follows:
UCutumba, featuring dancers and musicians from Santiago, Cuba, who perform Cuban, Haitian, African and Latin styles, 7 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18 in YSU Spotlight Arena Theater, Bliss Hall. Tickets are $12.
UClassical Music of India at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 in YSU Bliss Recital Hall. Barunkumar Pal, who plays Indian classical guitar, was a child prodigy and a pioneer in this music. Changes he made to the design of Indian guitars have been widely adapted. He studied with Ravi Shankar and has performed as a soloist and in ensembles on All India Radio since 1951. Tabla player Ray Spiegel studied music in India. He too, has performed with Shankar as well as with The Grateful Dead, Bon Jovi and Patty Smyth, among others. Admission is free.
* A Russian Country Music Tour, featuring folk group Style of Five, at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 in Bliss Recital Hall. Crist said YSU is working with other universities in Ohio and Pennsylvania to schedule performances and share the cost of the group's travel expenses. He hopes the Russian musicians will spend part of a week in Youngstown and about a month in the United States.
Call Dana School of Music at (330) 941-3636 for details.