A 'Potpourri' of Expression

A yearly tradition will be renewed this weekend when IU's African-American Arts Institute performs its annual "Potpourri of Arts in the African-American Tradition." The theme for this year's production is "Ancestral Dedications."\nThe event was established in 1993 to demonstrate the varieties of African-American tradition through the arts. The groups say they reach out to people of all ages, social, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds with music. \nThe concert will feature the African American Choral Ensemble, the African American Dance Company and the IU Soul Revue. An additional three Gospel groups -- Sojourner, Soul-ACE and God's Progress -- composed of members in the choral ensemble, will also perform. \nThe choral ensemble, under the direction of James E. Mumford, provides a variety of traditions of African-American choral music. The combined voices of the massive choir will join in singing gospel music and works from African-American composers. \nThe African American Dance Company, directed by Iris Rosa, will incorporate a rhythmic flavor in the production. The company usually perform various styles including modern, jazz and contemporary dance. The pieces performed will explore rhythmic finesse and the dancers will grace the stage with choreography from traditional heritages.\n"We do a lot of exercises with different movements to come up with our choreography," said senior Angelena Austin, a member of the company. "It becomes more than just choreography, but something deeper after all the work we put into it."\nCharles E. Sykes, the director of the African American Arts Institute, said the hard work the students put in make the performances special.\n"Sometimes, people don't realize that these are all students," said Dr. Sykes. "These groups are regular two credit classes, they just require a lot of outside commitment." \nFor the show's finale, the three groups will unite on stage to perform "We Fall Down," a closing Sykes said would be effective. \n"We tried this last year, and it was very powerful," he said.\nThe success of these groups has grown recently, including performances on the Fox 59 morning show in Indianapolis and a tour in New York. But the "Potpourri" provides all of the AAAI's groups a unique chance to perform together.\n"This is our only opportunity to showcase the different styles and traditions that these groups offer," said Sykes. "It is very exciting to do each year."\nParticipants in the potpourri guarantee that the audience will enjoy the show.\n"We have been practicing extra hard and pushing it hard lately," said freshman Stephani Parker, a member of the IU Soul Revue. "Everything we are going to hit you with will leave you with an astounded look on your face"