tag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:/blogs/home?p=5Home2022-10-16T10:18:48-04:00Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatorfalsetag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/70824112022-10-16T10:18:48-04:002023-10-16T10:55:27-04:00Super Marimba Concert & Workshop Oct. 28th & 29th<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/daa237af7f5e3f32f6b0219f0ce52abeb789697c/original/super-marimba-flyer.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />A big thank you to everyone who came out last month to celebrate International Peace Day with the Stone Sound Collective! It was a beautiful event. </p>
<p>I'm happy to share that at the end of this month I will be presenting a concert and workshop with Super Marimba in Pontiac, MI. The group is led by Payton MacDonald, who has throughout his remarkable career pushed the boundaries of marimba music in many exciting directions. Payton is, in my opinion, one of the most lyrical marimba artists you will ever hear. He is joined in Super Marimba by virtuoso percussionists Shawn Mativetsky (tabla) and Damon Grant (Latin percussion). I am thrilled to be playing as part of this project on the array mbira. </p>
<p>Please join us on Friday, October 28th at 7:30pm for a free concert at the newly reopened Pontiac Little Art Theatre and for a free community drum workshop on Saturday, October 29th at 11am at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center. </p>
<p>I would like to also take a moment to remember two giants of our world music community whose spirits recently departed this earthly plane. Kevin Locke was an internationally renowned Lakota indigenous flute performer and hoop dancer. Ruben Alvarez was an acclaimed Latin percussionist. I became friends with Kevin and Ruben late in their storied careers and was blessed to collaborate with both of them recently. They were each not only passionate artists but also incredible humanitarians. The words of wisdom that Kevin and Ruben shared with me during our long talks has helped sustain me during these challenging times and has taught me what it truly means to be an artist-educator. </p>
<p> </p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697862019-08-08T20:00:00-04:002021-12-23T00:30:11-05:00Peace Day Concert with Stone Sound Collective<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/a393fd5e4fa251cd149fb47d79c8a8c63adaf6bf/original/peace-day-poster-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="414" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Stone Sound Collective - International Peace Day Concert</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Oakland University, Varner Recital Hall</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Saturday, September 21, 2018 at 8 p.m.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the <span style="font-size: medium;">International Day <span style="font-size: medium;">of Peace</span></span> provides a “globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.” Celebrate Peace Day at Oakland University with the Stone Sound Collective. Led by composer Mark Stone, the group unites diverse musicians and dancers to create a new global soundscape. Stone Sound Collective performs original compositions and choreography rooted in traditional art forms, creating music and dance that celebrates the oneness of humanity by uplifting hearts, expanding minds and connecting souls.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><em>Free admission </em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Abigail Alwin - cello</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Ambyr Amen-Ra – choreographer and dancer</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Chinelo Amen-Ra - djembe, congas, stone box, and percussion</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Matt Dufresne - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, nadaswaram, and flute</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sam Jeyasingham – mridangam, thavil, tablas, kanjira, and morsing</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Kerro Knox 3 - lighting and staging</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Lalitha Ramamoorthy - choreographer and dancer</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark Stone – composer, array mbira, karimba, and gyil</span></p>
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<p><em> </em></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697852018-11-24T19:00:00-05:002022-05-19T04:06:09-04:00World Music Concert with James Isabirye and Regina Carter<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/f5d628c16666b21f9e7ccbb662090eaca0dd59fd/original/world-music-regina-james.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDk4OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="989" width="640" /></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">For the past two years I've had the great honor of hosting Dr. James Isabirye while he pursued a Ph.D. in Music Education at Oakland University. James has completed his program, writing a brilliant dissertation on his work in Uganda revitalizing indigenous music education practices. He heads back to home in 10 days. But before he goes, James will be sharing his music (including some of the traditions from Busoga and Buganda that he has helped revive) as the featured artist in our annual fall semester world music concert at Oakland University.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This concert will also feature students in the OU World Percussion Ensemble (Ngoma), OU African Drum and Xylophone Ensemble (Akwaaba), and our wonderful OU Artist-in-Residence, Regina Carter. My students have done great work this semester. Please come out to support them and to celebrate the music of Uganda! The concert also doubles as a farewell party for James :-)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope to see you there!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>
</div>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697842018-08-23T20:00:00-04:002018-08-24T16:15:48-04:00Stone Sound Collective in Pontiac/ International Peace Day<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_966502473"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 8/25</span></span> – Stone Sound Collective @ <a href="https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/&source=gmail&ust=1535252985127000&usg=AFQjCNHvduww1Ufp5qEdLm0_TweGiT5mvg" data-imported="1">Pontiac’s Little Art Theatre – 8pm</a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_966502475"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 9/21</span></span> – Mark Stone, International Peace Day Concert @ <a href="https://oakland.edu/smtd/events/2018/092118-mark-stone-international-peace-day-concert" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/smtd/events/2018/092118-mark-stone-international-peace-day-concert&source=gmail&ust=1535252985127000&usg=AFQjCNHvXhpmbRQlxTamq6PkmSmHTXdpww" data-imported="1">Oakland University’s Varner Recital Hall – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_966502474"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/vBY0HjLpD-nfXFaUm3VsIGG5Y_EC3Stzinz1wcZvhNw-wWZGAjYJv4g17s5DUVMoHAxctY-OP4AK5l5Bg0kVBVNWHzUytOER25QpbtqwQ6Ho0QNM3uVZouuvHvkU3NpRnqr3Zrfiw95Ncav1UQN-k6Q0RK5-9VfsWasIqj8yZR2peytBVzzaFfy0dczEGLeq1V_D9GSQxmGqev8Pve1opNv498YzaJM3aqrFOSX0LUg63w=s0-d-e1-ft#https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39146119_2071456029532513_4317723604692238336_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=8e4c289c169349d1530537d4106f3d3e&oe=5C0746F6" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="454" width="595" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I just returned from beautiful Quito, Ecuador where I took part in Estudio de Percusión’s XII Festival Internacional de Percusión. At the festival I had a blast teaching and performing with some of the greatest (and craziest!) percussionists on the planet. The faculty included Anders Åstrand from Sweden, Evaristo Aguilar from Mexico, Jholman Caceres from Colombia, Cesar Gonzalez Cisnero from Venezuela, and Carlos Alban from Ecuador. All of the Ecuadorian students worked really hard and we presented several exciting performances together.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m bringing the wonderful vibe of this Ecuador festival back to Michigan <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_966502477"><span class="aQJ">tonight</span></span>, August 25th - <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_966502476"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span>, with two sets of original music featuring Stone Sound Collective at Pontiac’s Little Art Theatre. <a href="https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/local/international-percussionists-to-perform-special-set-at-pontiac-s-little/article_72447e38-a567-11e8-bde0-8b5f2c6f35dd.html" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/news/local/international-percussionists-to-perform-special-set-at-pontiac-s-little/article_72447e38-a567-11e8-bde0-8b5f2c6f35dd.html&source=gmail&ust=1535252985128000&usg=AFQjCNGHxkB8ocJ8QU1AaGO5Acg4y2aXUw" data-imported="1">Please check out this great article</a> about the show in the Oakland Press. Tickets for the performance can be <a href="https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/&source=gmail&ust=1535252985128000&usg=AFQjCNHL7XBXKPkqJMO3wPWeafnb_eokiA" data-imported="1">purchased here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/jEfS1fHCMwxyUy6wk_Qw7BNvPiP3VE4kiYVZAH7u9cQaHzQ4keTr5cEIXh24W-6cLaqmyejq-0FvKekw1lMhdFUU2t6XKBRN3W5e-Xv3I_IOAfECo44qlStQw2br=s0-d-e1-ft#http://www.markstonepercussion.com/img/Community_Workshop-Pontiac-2.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking ahead, I will be kicking off the new school year with a special concert celebrating<a href="https://oakland.edu/smtd/events/2018/092118-mark-stone-international-peace-day-concert" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/smtd/events/2018/092118-mark-stone-international-peace-day-concert&source=gmail&ust=1535252985128000&usg=AFQjCNEQ1-wJ3FHf_rMlYzcnnAIajxtbKQ" data-imported="1">International Peace Day</a> on Friday, September 21<sup>st</sup>. Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the International Day of Peace provides a “globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace.” This solo program will feature a range of globally-inspired percussion pieces featuring the newly-invented Array mbira, an American-made 120 key lamellaphone, as well as several traditional melodic African instruments, including the Ghanaian gyil, Ugandan akogo and South African kalimba.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope to see you <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_966502481"><span class="aQJ">tonight</span></span> in Pontiac!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark Stone, Guba</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697832018-07-16T20:00:00-04:002021-05-07T04:02:55-04:00Bernard Woma Memorial/ Stone Sound Collective Performances<table style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900764"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday 7/18</span></span> – Stone Sound Collective @ <a href="http://www.nardinpark.org/music/music-series-concerts/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.nardinpark.org/music/music-series-concerts/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNGK32eAszhzzerTy__Bj61YT8t80Q" data-imported="1">Nardin Park Music Series, Farmington Hills – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900765"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900766"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 7/21</span></span> – Stone Sound Collective </strong><strong>“Sow the Seeds of Community” @ <a href="http://oaklandcounty115.com/2018/07/06/rochester-groups-hosting-sow-the-seeds-of-community-pot-luck-july-21/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://oaklandcounty115.com/2018/07/06/rochester-groups-hosting-sow-the-seeds-of-community-pot-luck-july-21/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNEa3y6-qM5OgVliJKiKFWLBNYL6dw" data-imported="1">Rochester Municipal Park, Kiwanis Pavilion –<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900767"><span class="aQJ">1pm</span></span></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900768"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, 7/22</span></span></strong><strong> – Bernard Woma Michigan Memorial @ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNHtTf8iLHfkRnTanKUELWwBCxI_EA" data-imported="1">Oakland University Varner Recital Hall - </a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNHtTf8iLHfkRnTanKUELWwBCxI_EA" data-imported="1"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900769"><span class="aQJ">3pm</span></span></a></strong><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900770"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 8/25</span></span> – Stone Sound Collective @ <a href="https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNG1EvectQOr6w3JPvdKIFfRHWy_ow" data-imported="1">Pontiac’s Little Art Theatre – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900771"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span></a></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The memorial for Bernard Woma in NYC last month was a beautiful celebration of Bernard’s life and music. His funeral in Ghana will take place this weekend and we will also be celebrating his life with another <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNHtTf8iLHfkRnTanKUELWwBCxI_EA" data-imported="1">memorial in Michigan this Sunday at Oakland University’s Varner Hall.</a> We will begin at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900772"><span class="aQJ">3pm</span></span> with a potluck meal and music making outside Varner Recital Hall (or in room 110 if it rains) and at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900773"><span class="aQJ">6pm</span></span> there will be a memorial in the recital hall. If you would like to celebrate Bernard’s life with us, please attend, bring a dish to share, and join us in the music!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m really excited to have several upcoming opportunities to share the music of my new ensemble, Stone Sound Collective. We will be performing <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900774"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> at <a href="http://www.nardinpark.org/music/music-series-concerts/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.nardinpark.org/music/music-series-concerts/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNGK32eAszhzzerTy__Bj61YT8t80Q" data-imported="1">Nardin Park United Methodist Church (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900775"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span>) </a>and again <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900776"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span> at <a href="http://oaklandcounty115.com/2018/07/06/rochester-groups-hosting-sow-the-seeds-of-community-pot-luck-july-21/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://oaklandcounty115.com/2018/07/06/rochester-groups-hosting-sow-the-seeds-of-community-pot-luck-july-21/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNEa3y6-qM5OgVliJKiKFWLBNYL6dw" data-imported="1">Rochester Municipal Park’s Kiwanis Pavilion (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900777"><span class="aQJ">1pm</span></span>).</a> Both of these events are free. The Nardin Park performance is part of their long-running summer concert series and the Rochester Park performance is the kick-off event for a new community coalition, formed to start a conversation about diversity and inclusion in the Rochester area.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking ahead to August, Stone Sound Collective will be performing two sets of original music at the historic Pontiac Little Art Theatre on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1495900778"><span class="aQJ">August 25th at 8pm.</span></span> This grand venue (built in 1868) has been lovingly restored into a beautiful performing arts space. <a href="https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://getlocalhop.com/stone-sound-collective/event/pKM8d3XAlb/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNG1EvectQOr6w3JPvdKIFfRHWy_ow" data-imported="1">Tickets can be purchased in advance here.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">To learn more about the collective creativity of this new project and to receive regular updates on our performances and recordings, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StoneSoundCollective/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/StoneSoundCollective/&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNFCQLXrp3Pz5IlGXFQZ6LPAljX-BQ" data-imported="1">please like our Facebook fan page here</a>. I’ve also created a short video montage of our music that <a href="https://youtu.be/R0cljbTPhAM" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://youtu.be/R0cljbTPhAM&source=gmail&ust=1531937752155000&usg=AFQjCNG5Q0f23OvJeWDgfQL_aYQULYR-oQ" data-imported="1">can be viewed here.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark Stone, Guba</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697822018-06-10T20:00:00-04:002018-06-11T16:42:59-04:00Bernard Woma Memorials / Stone Sound Collective Performances<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
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<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783307"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 6/16</span></span></strong><strong> – Stone Sound Collective </strong><strong>@ Music Hall’s Detroit Music Weekend – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783308"><span class="aQJ">5pm</span></span>, Lear Stage</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783309"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, 6/24</span></span> – Bernard Woma NYC Memorial @ ShapeShifter Lab in Brooklyn – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783310"><span class="aQJ">5pm</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783311"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday 7/18</span></span> – Stone Sound Collective @ Nardin Park Music Series, Farmington Hills – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783312"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783313"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, 7/22</span></span></strong><strong> – Bernard Woma Michigan Memorial @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall - </strong><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783314"><span class="aQJ">3pm</span></span></strong><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This has been a difficult spring for me. Within a span of just over a month, I lost three incredibly important people in my life. On <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783315"><span class="aQJ">April 6</span></span>, my dear mentor Vincent Khapoya departed this world after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Vince was a beloved international studies and political science professor from Kenya who took me under his wing when I first joined the faculty at Oakland University. Any success I have had at OU I owe entirely to his comprehensive and caring mentorship. Then on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783316"><span class="aQJ">April 27</span></span>, my long-time musical partner and gyil guru, Bernard Woma, joined the ancestors after an extended battle with cancer. I played the gyil with Bernard all around the world and cherish the musical journey we shared together. Whatever knowledge I have of African music has been built on the foundation that Bernard generously shared with me over a period of 25 years. Finally, on May 13 my grandpa Charles Ballard passed into new life, 94 years young. My grandpa was the rock of our extended family and instilled in all of his children and grandchildren both a joy of life and a tremendous work ethic. Any ability I have to stay focused on my goals while enjoying life’s bumpy road comes from him. While the passing of these three giants has left a void in my heart, I know that I will carry their spirits with me as I continue to teach, play music, and work as hard as I possibly can to make this world a better place.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The funerals celebrating the lives of Vincent Khapoya and my grandpa were special events full of both sorrow and joy. I am extremely grateful to the Khapoya family for the opportunity to share music throughout Vince’s funeral. As I write this newsletter, Bernard’s body is headed to Ghana, where the final Dagara funeral rites will be carried out. A funeral in Accra will take place on <span class="m_-8595420118249391581aBn"><span class="m_-8595420118249391581aQJ"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783317"><span class="aQJ">July 13 & 14</span></span></span></span> before traveling to the North for final funeral services there on <span class="m_-8595420118249391581aBn"><span class="m_-8595420118249391581aQJ"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783318"><span class="aQJ">July 20 & 21</span></span>. </span></span>At the same time, we will be holding two special memorials in the US for our Jumbie brother. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/235244420392568/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/events/235244420392568/&source=gmail&ust=1528820335732000&usg=AFQjCNFWeEyuzLL1NDYIWrb27U0ayweRbw" data-imported="1">first memorial will be held <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783319"><span class="aQJ">in two weeks</span></span> in Brooklyn at ShapeShifters Lab</a>, one of many New York venues where Bernard shared his amazing musicianship. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/events/1950993978564352/&source=gmail&ust=1528820335732000&usg=AFQjCNHJC-TAsnpsNZwsmU3DiZ_sMDWdDg" data-imported="1">second memorial will take place on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783320"><span class="aQJ">July 22nd</span></span> at Oakland University</a>, just one of many American universities where Bernard shared his passion for African music as a guest artist and teacher.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/31Aq4f49JHOzXxFFOkVRXZgDkyW3FNyL3a7Kj1-4MVA1WUGXuMD0UswszllRRj-WYQ3rk90237HUnDvDZA5cjIscS2dmEOdYLsi7JfX2by-2SlHyl3RH=s0-d-e1-ft#http://www.markstonepercussion.com/img/Stone_Sound_Collective.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Stone Sound Collective" height="501" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This time of grieving has also been a time of new beginnings. I recently debuted a new music ensemble, the Stone Sound Collective. The concert was a great success and we have many more performances coming up this summer including a performance at <a href="https://www.detroitmusicweekend.org/lear-stage/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.detroitmusicweekend.org/lear-stage/&source=gmail&ust=1528820335732000&usg=AFQjCNHSnMHDgLLQ910jvUXYH9l0JJVOkg" data-imported="1">Music Hall’s Detroit Music Weekend </a><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783321"><span class="aQJ">this Saturday</span></span> and a performance as part of the <a href="http://www.nardinpark.org/music/music-series-concerts/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.nardinpark.org/music/music-series-concerts/&source=gmail&ust=1528820335732000&usg=AFQjCNETSs4jCHvh_PT7aA1Z2lTIfDZ52w" data-imported="1">Nardin Park Music Series</a> on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1665783322"><span class="aQJ">July 18</span></span><sup>th</sup> (both free events). To learn more about the collective creativity of this new project and to receive regular updates on our performances and recordings, please <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Stone-Sound-Collective-386280608550662/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/Stone-Sound-Collective-386280608550662/&source=gmail&ust=1528820335732000&usg=AFQjCNEa8ufQQqjWYzKpHhrVkXbwWOQT5Q" data-imported="1">like our Facebook fan page here.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope that you are able to join me at one of my upcoming Stone Sound Collective performances and/or one of the memorial celebrations for Bernard. Please also enjoy the following recordings, dedicated to Vincent Khapoya, Bernard Woma, and my Grandpa Ballard.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark Stone, Guba</span></p>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/225155607&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I wrote this composition, Mwalimu (teacher), for Vincent Khapoya in celebration of his retirement from the Oakland University.</span></p>
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<div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="361" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nQpn24CM4NU" width="642" allowfullscreen="" class="wrapped"></iframe></div></div>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This video was my final performance with Bernard. We performed Binne together in Ghana at Filmua’s Kukur-Bagr festival just before my completion of the Gyil Goba initiation in nearby Hinneteng.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/144251054&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I wrote this composition, Ballards’ Joy, for my grandparents. It is inspired by my grandpa’s love of big band music and his even greater love of dance.</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697812018-04-03T20:00:00-04:002020-01-08T14:20:48-05:00OU World Music Concerts featuring Sam Jeyasingham, Robert Chappell, Jagrithi, Stone Sound Collective<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="m_8525972090372497219aBn"><span class="m_8525972090372497219aQJ"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587627"><span class="aQJ">Thursday, 4/5</span></span> - OU Percussion Ensembles with Sam Jeyasingham </span></span>@ OU Varner Recital Hall - <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587628"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587629"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 4/13</span></span> - OU World Music Ensembles with Robert Chappell @ OU Varner Recital Hall - <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587630"><span class="aQJ">10am & 8pm</span></span> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587631"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, 4/15</span></span> जगृथि (Jagrithi - Awakening) @ OU Varner Recital Hall - <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587632"><span class="aQJ">4pm</span></span> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587633"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, 4/29</span></span> - World Dance Day Celebration with Maitrii and Stone Sound Collective @ OU Varner Recital Hall - <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587634"><span class="aQJ">4pm</span></span> </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I just returned from the incredible <a href="http://www.aradhana.org/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.aradhana.org/&source=gmail&ust=1522959191216000&usg=AFQjCNHOGT8X1F29oibVILqr0_WLV7jptQ" data-imported="1">Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival</a>, an event now in its 41<sup>st</sup>year that features over 120 of the top musicians from southern India as well as 100’s of talented and dedicated North American born/based Indian artists. At the festival, we successfully launched the new जगृथि (Jagrithi - Awakening) group in front of an overflowing audience at Cleveland State University’s Drinko Hall. जगृथि is a collaborative ensemble of musicians from India and and America, rooted in a wide range of musical and cultural traditions. The group creates new music steeped in these traditions, with a focus on music’s potential to foster a spiritual reawakening of mankind. <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/041518-%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BF%E2%80%93Awakening" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/041518-%25E0%25A4%259C%25E0%25A4%2597%25E0%25A5%2583%25E0%25A4%25A5%25E0%25A4%25BF%25E2%2580%2593Awakening&source=gmail&ust=1522959191216000&usg=AFQjCNGbrz0dl_kFbBJH1TSPTNtBBj3kdQ" data-imported="1">You can hear this exciting new project in Michigan next week on April 15<sup>th</sup> at 4pm in OU’s Varner Recital Hall</a>, sponsored by the Great Lakes Aradhana Committee.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">At Oakland University, we are wrapping up another successful semester <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587636"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> and next weekend with three terrific programs featuring Sam Jeyasingham and Robert Chappell.<a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/040518-oakland-university-percussion-ensembles-concert-with-special-guest-sam-jeyasingam" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/040518-oakland-university-percussion-ensembles-concert-with-special-guest-sam-jeyasingam&source=gmail&ust=1522959191216000&usg=AFQjCNGEPbphA5cf-SqXXzcUCoLZqIzI7A" data-imported="1"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587637"><span class="aQJ">Tomorrow’s</span></span> <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587638"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span> percussion ensemble concert</a> will feature Prof. Jeyasingham together with the OU percussion ensemble and world percussion ensemble, presenting a program of percussion music from Asia. The concert will include music from India and Japan, as well as works by American composers inspired by Asian music traditions. Originally from Sri Lanka, OU Carnatic percussion instructor Sam Jeyasingam is a virtuoso performer and master teacher of several Indian percussive art forms.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/6e95ilHOhbu7HKSWuIFQpywMpOuJ9LalsZxGECZQ91nRedhQUsfcuHCshO6S12mu_R_NtBH9Ix-w63UDCndbNbd-t56D_OEq-jkOk0v95XBnzcI3VQ=s0-d-e1-ft#http://www.markstonepercussion.com/img/Percussion_Ensembles.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then next week distinguished professor emeritus from Northern Illinois University, Robert Chappell, will be in residence with our world music ensembles. On <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587639"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 4/13</span></span> Prof. Chappell will conclude his residency with a <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/041318-childrens-concert-with-robert-chappell" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/041318-childrens-concert-with-robert-chappell&source=gmail&ust=1522959191216000&usg=AFQjCNG7wQHgipgVe9S3ToTE2u7T9BKwoQ" data-imported="1">morning children’s concert at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587640"><span class="aQJ">10am</span></span></a> and a <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/041318-world-music-concert-with-robert-chappell" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2018/041318-world-music-concert-with-robert-chappell&source=gmail&ust=1522959191216000&usg=AFQjCNF6_G0DmB5oX0U9UPMecsx_15oBKg" data-imported="1">full evening concert at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587641"><span class="aQJ">8pm.</span></span></a> Both of these programs will feature OU’s Steel Band, African Ensemble, and World Percussion Ensemble performing traditional African and Caribbean music as well as Chappell’s original compositions, noted for integrating seemingly unrelated genres into a musical totality.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/6c1luXuG6MpzMGhkYzxtpX8qxAwRu3Fwa9wyT3Kr85saXLsENZUpSU8q3Tk6zJ52KD33U_46TftTjo3tKTd9DMOc7CtMTmSvPEyAdjUlW2k11jmY9Kq0_4o=s0-d-e1-ft#http://www.markstonepercussion.com/img/Robert_Chappell_concerts.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587642"><span class="aQJ">Sunday April 29</span></span><sup>th</sup> at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1126587643"><span class="aQJ">4pm</span></span>, I will present the debut of my newest group, the Stone Sound Collective, at Oakland University. We will be taking part in a special performance to celebrate World Dance Day together with the Indian classical dance group, Maitrii.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Please spread the word about these events and I hope to see you there!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/s_ykZ5jgZM_mbZJe9GmmgxNKcSikdOpIfvk7lvHg0FNlx1fE3vVE3sKV5EoKonbiaH6biPCeFile4tEE5t3g1pEgbcAq13JEIEHTWc3yuZ1s3Q=s0-d-e1-ft#http://www.markstonepercussion.com/img/1522098567354blob.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" width="640" /><br></span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697802018-01-21T19:00:00-05:002021-12-31T01:17:03-05:00Soul Food: Inspirational Music and Words to Nurture the Soul and Elevate the Spirit<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p><strong> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="m_5504972492024015302aBn"><span class="m_5504972492024015302aQJ"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1289893586"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 1/27</span></span> - Soul Food </span></span>@ OU Varner Recital Hall - <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1289893587"><span class="aQJ">7pm</span></span> </span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">While honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” Similarly, in the Baha’i tradition we are taught by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As someone dedicated to a world embracing vision of humanity, it is heartbreaking to hear the vitriol in our public discourse that routinely describes people of a country, culture, or religion as somehow inferior. And as an artist-educator, I refuse to be silent on this issue! However, in following the teachings of Dr. King and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, I wish to do something positive in response to the current state of our society. So, my community partner, Dwayne Anthony, and I are presenting our third “Soul Food” event this coming <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1289893588"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, Jan. 27th</span></span> at Oakland University – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1289893589"><span class="aQJ">7pm</span></span>, Varner Recital Hall - FREE admission.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This special program has been created to bring our community together and<strong>celebrate the oneness of humanity</strong>. At <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1289893590"><span class="aQJ">this Saturday’s</span></span> “Soul Food” we will all be nourished by healing music and words of wisdom from Native-American, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Baha’i spiritual traditions. The program will feature the artistry of Spirits Rising, Elizabeth Rowen and I-Chen Yeh, Fortino and Rolando Ybarra, the School of World Music and Dance, the Jazz Quintet for the Nightingale, and the Pontiac Citywide Choir Union. We will also be joined by OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, Mayor Deidre Waterman, and Professor Alan Epstein. Following the program, there will be a reception and post-concert discussion led by OU religious studies faculty.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Please help me spread the word far and wide about “Soul Food!” It is the most important event I will produce this year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark </span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697792017-12-04T19:00:00-05:002017-12-18T05:33:48-05:00OU World Music Concerts featuring Chinelo Amen-Ra<table style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Friday, 12/8</span></span> - Oakland University World Music Concert </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">@ OU Varner Recital Hall - </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">8pm</span></span></strong></p>
<h3><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, 12/9</span></span> - Community Drum Workshop and Concert @ Pontiac Creative Arts Center - <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2pm & 4pm</span></span> </span></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size: large;">It was a blast catching up with so many friends at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis last month. Thanks to Neeraj Mehta for inviting me to be part of the World Percussion Panel Presentation and to Rick Kurasz for inviting me to perform with the PAS Mass Steel Band. Both events were stellar. The steel band was extra special as I was reunited with several fellow WVU pan players after 20 years and we were joined by PAS Hall of Fame inductee Andy Narell. Check out video footage of our full performance </span><a style="font-size: large;" href="http://www.pas.org/resources/video-library/pasic-2017-full-sessions" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.pas.org/resources/video-library/pasic-2017-full-sessions&source=gmail&ust=1512620706176000&usg=AFQjCNEvRiCFeijO0PldhKduet_UKgYPnA" data-imported="1">here</a><span style="font-size: large;">!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;">At Oakland University, we are wrapping up another successful semester this weekend with two terrific programs featuring my drum brother, Chinelo Amen-Ra. Chi and I first met many years ago when we were both students of the late, great Modibo Kieta, one of the finest drummers to ever come from Michigan. Modibo introduced me to African music and laid the foundation for all of my future studies of the continent’s extraordinary percussion traditions. Chinelo has truly followed in the footsteps of our master teacher and has become a master djembe and conga drummer in his own right. It is a great pleasure to welcome him to Oakland University as our guest artist! A full description of <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">this Friday’s</span></span> program can be found <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/news/2017/ou-to-present-world-music-concert-featuring-chinelo-amen-ra-on-dec-8" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/news/2017/ou-to-present-world-music-concert-featuring-chinelo-amen-ra-on-dec-8&source=gmail&ust=1512620706176000&usg=AFQjCNEuND6wG8qbjpRmdSBRbiYCZhXT_A" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: large;">Then <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">on Saturday</span></span>, we have a special event in Pontiac as part of the OU/Pontiac Initiative. At <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">2pm</span></span>, Chinelo and I will present a free workshop for all ages at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center followed by a <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">4pm</span></span>performance with the OU African Ensemble and World Percussion Ensemble. Event details <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/120917-community-workshop-with-chinelo-amen-ra" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/120917-community-workshop-with-chinelo-amen-ra&source=gmail&ust=1512620706176000&usg=AFQjCNEMc0pq70vcCJ1vlcZ32AaI6jlCIQ" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: large;">Please spread the word about these events and I hope to see you there!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: large;">Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697782017-10-17T20:00:00-04:002021-11-13T16:12:34-05:00Ancient Beauty - Bicentenary Celebration at the Strand<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Boom! Just like that summer is long gone and we are in the middle of October. I had a blast this past summer (winter in South Africa) performing and adjudicating at the International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in Johannesburg, together with Haruna Walusimbi. The festival, run by Joan Lithgow and Education Africa, uses the magic of marimba and steel pan music to foster social cohesion in South Africa. You can read about my trip and check out photos/videos <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1553390&k=deae1aed4d480416e6ca26328069fd71" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1553390%26k%3Ddeae1aed4d480416e6ca26328069fd71&source=gmail&ust=1508427686267000&usg=AFQjCNG9qccTIdSOuedY8yZMGnwtgpfqpQ" data-imported="1">here.</a></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I helped organize and will be performing in a very special event this weekend. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_114911126"><span class="aQJ">On Sunday</span></span>, we will be celebrating the bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, at the newly restored <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1553391&k=985d9455c0a664baf48975c9e370cb98" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1553391%26k%3D985d9455c0a664baf48975c9e370cb98&source=gmail&ust=1508427686268000&usg=AFQjCNEWgoFRdsKFfaPwFcdRyGQVZgzQkQ" data-imported="1">Strand Theatre</a> in downtown Pontiac. The program, entitled “Ancient Beauty”, is a celebration of the oneness of humanity through the performing arts. Featured performers will include Sounding Light (chamber choir), the School of World Music & Dance (classical Indian music and dance), Spirits Rising (contemporary Native-American music), Jazz Quintet for the Nightingale (Jazz), and The Voices of Oneness featuring Lady Peachena (Gospel). Each of these groups have been commissioned to write a new work for the celebration. As a result, the program will feature a total of seven world premieres!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> “Ancient Beauty” celebrates the transformative impact of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the country and the world. Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the oneness of humanity is seen by Bahá’ís as an antidote to the racial prejudice and materialism that are corroding American society. This momentous event will take place on Sunday, October 22<sup>nd</sup>, at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_114911128"><span class="aQJ">3pm</span></span>. It is open to everyone and admission is free. The Strand Theatre is located at <a href="https://maps.google.com/?q=12+N+Saginaw+St&entry=gmail&source=g" data-imported="1">12 N Saginaw St</a>. in Pontiac.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you can join our celebration!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697772017-07-14T20:00:00-04:002022-03-26T04:45:34-04:00Lecture, Installation, and Concert to kick off new school year at Oakland University<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/c2198ee7540e4a1a2c5014856ebc844f03673f13/original/worldwithoutice-posters.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDk4OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="989" width="640" /></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697762017-07-05T20:00:00-04:002017-07-06T16:52:20-04:00Wes Dyring with Mark Stone and Friends, International Marimba & Steelpan Festival<table style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2137948088"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 7/8 - 7:30pm</span></span> Wes Dyring with Mark Stone and Friends @ Baha'i Center of Washtenaw County </span></h3>
<h3><span style="font-size: medium;">7/29 to 7/30 - Education Africa's International Marimba & Steelpan Festival, Johanessburg SOUTH AFRICA</span></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Wesley Dyring (violist in the Seattle Symphony) and I have prepared a special concert <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2137948089"><span class="aQJ">this Saturday</span></span> at the <a href="http://www.bahaicenterwashtenawcounty.org/event/wes-dyring-with-mark-stone-and-friends/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.bahaicenterwashtenawcounty.org/event/wes-dyring-with-mark-stone-and-friends/&source=gmail&ust=1499485769981000&usg=AFQjCNGrLqcZHuV8gCO4S48rsjwcwWDWJg" data-imported="1">Baha’i Center in Ann Arbor</a>. This wonderfully diverse program will include a set of Western classical chamber music, a set of traditional Latin-American compositions, and a set of my original music - including the premiere of my newest piece <em>Zisheh Neshomeh (sweet soul).</em> Wes and I will be performing together with an all-star group of musicians including Bob Schneeweis on piano, Marcia Hilden Anderson on clarinet, Matt Dufresne on saxes, Miles Brown on bass, as well as Dan Piccolo and Alex Dyring on percussion. If you are in Michigan, please join us for this unique, not-to-be-missed concert! Admission is FREE and refreshments will be served after the program.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Later this month, I will be headed to Johannesburg, South Africa to take part in <a href="http://www.internationalmarimbafestival.org/index.htm" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.internationalmarimbafestival.org/index.htm&source=gmail&ust=1499485769981000&usg=AFQjCNG5uo1H8LEwzMdyHIZVBcuZi4aMXg" data-imported="1">Education Africa’s International Marimba & Steelpan Festival.</a> I participated in this event two years ago as a clinician/adjudicator and I’m delighted to be invited back for the 2017 festival. This powerful event includes around 2,000 marimba & pan players from all over Africa. Check out a special CNN <em>Inside Africa</em> segment on the festival <a href="https://youtu.be/ufqOqracoGA" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://youtu.be/ufqOqracoGA&source=gmail&ust=1499485769981000&usg=AFQjCNE2lb93tdklrDtUYzlVVHqLHmunBg" data-imported="1">here</a>. Jo’burg friends, I look forward to connecting with you soon!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, a big thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our recent Soul Food program in Pontiac. It was another joyous celebration of diverse cultures and spiritual traditions. You can read a great article by Nancy Palus about <em>Soul Food II </em><a href="http://www.markstonepercussion.com/soul_food_ii/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.markstonepercussion.com/soul_food_ii/&source=gmail&ust=1499485769981000&usg=AFQjCNFij-eoHuxkeV51eaD0XO36-LK24A" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Wishing you a summer filled with joy, music, family, and friends.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Peace,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697752017-05-07T20:00:00-04:002020-09-23T07:30:03-04:00Soul Food II - Honoring Our Mothers<table style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1720719190"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, 5/14 - 3pm</span></span> Soul Food II @ Pontiac Creative Arts Center</span></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">We are presenting our second Soul Food event this Sunday in celebration of Mother’s Day. S<em>oul Food II – Honoring Our Mothers</em> will take place at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center on May 14<sup>th</sup> at 3pm. As with our <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1462695&k=45a985a9473d3ca7ce6c3a082f9178af" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1462695%26k%3D45a985a9473d3ca7ce6c3a082f9178af&source=gmail&ust=1494358042900000&usg=AFQjCNHHwfGNpXm4_cvYUXajMX860RgAkQ" data-imported="1">first Soul Food event in January</a>, this program will focus on feeding our souls through the healing power of music. The concert will feature Spoken Word accompanied by the Middle Eastern Oud, South Indian Bhakthi, a Bach Cello Suite, Jazz, and Gospel.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you can join us for another inspirational and spiritually uplifting afternoon of music. Please help spread the word about this community event!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697742017-03-30T20:00:00-04:002017-04-03T15:15:39-04:00Percussion Ensembles, Bhakthi, Ray Holman, and Soul Food!<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862051"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 3/31 - 8pm</span></span> OU Percussion Ensemble/ World Percussion Ensemble -Journey to Latin America @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall</span></h3>
<h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862052"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 4/1 - 6pm</span></span> Bhakthi, a Musical Journey with Mystics featuring Chitra Srikrishna @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall</span></h3>
<h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862053"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 4/7 - 10am</span></span> Children's Concert with Ray Holman, Akwaaba, and the Pan-Jumbies @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall</span></h3>
<h3><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862054"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 4/7 - 8pm</span></span> World Music Concert with Ray Holman, Akwaaba, and the Pan-Jumbies @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall</span></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The winter semester at Oakland University has been a joyous whirlwind of teaching and music making. We’ve reached the peak of the semester with four exciting concerts in the next week. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862055"><span class="aQJ">Tonight</span></span>, we begin with our percussion ensemble/ world percussion ensemble concert - <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/033117-south-american-journey-with-the-oakland-university-percussion-ensemble-and-world-percussion-ensemble" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/033117-south-american-journey-with-the-oakland-university-percussion-ensemble-and-world-percussion-ensemble&source=gmail&ust=1491062822760000&usg=AFQjCNHuFzwWQfLFC2XjLHPb1mJuCarFWg" data-imported="1">A Journey to Latin America</a>, inspired by my trip last summer to Ecuador. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862056"><span class="aQJ">Tomorrow</span></span>evening, we explore the mystical <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/040117-an-evening-of-carnatic-music-concert" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/040117-an-evening-of-carnatic-music-concert&source=gmail&ust=1491062822760000&usg=AFQjCNG8t6oVCG2uDqhxTMd_Xlt5NeDLuA" data-imported="1">Bhakthi music of southern India</a> with special guest artists Chitra Srikrishna, Jay Balan, and Vinod Seetharaman. Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862057"><span class="aQJ">next Friday</span></span>, we have two concerts with our featured guest artist from Trinidad, legendary steel pan composer/performer Ray Holman. Ray will be presenting a <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/040717-childrens-concert-with-ray-holman" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/040717-childrens-concert-with-ray-holman&source=gmail&ust=1491062822760000&usg=AFQjCNFIyLMVJBWbpSIYkCpIukB4qQ8AuA" data-imported="1">morning children’s program</a> and an <a href="https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/040717-world-music-concert-with-ray-holman" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://oakland.edu/mtd/events/2017/040717-world-music-concert-with-ray-holman&source=gmail&ust=1491062822760000&usg=AFQjCNHNYmSxAnXta_OzlmBJg0R2qnIZRg" data-imported="1">evening concert</a> with OU’s world music ensembles - Akwaaba and the Pan-Jumbies.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our Soul Food event, which took place this past January, was a huge success. You can read a <a href="https://www.oakland.edu/Assets/Oakland/mtd/files-and-documents/Music/Soul%20Food%20Article%20by%20Nancy%20Palus.pdf" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.oakland.edu/Assets/Oakland/mtd/files-and-documents/Music/Soul%2520Food%2520Article%2520by%2520Nancy%2520Palus.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1491062822760000&usg=AFQjCNHRHQoalcJuayL2yMx4KKXNF8g8Qg" data-imported="1">wonderful article about the event here</a>. Because it was such an inspirational and spiritually uplifting afternoon, we have decided to do it again! Our second Soul Food event will take place at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center on Mother’s Day, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862058"><span class="aQJ">May 14</span></span><sup>th</sup> at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1744862059"><span class="aQJ">3pm</span></span>. The theme of the program is “Honoring our Mothers” and it will once again be a free event focused on feeding our souls through the healing power of music. We are looking for sponsors for Soul Food with the hopes of making this an ongoing series. If you, your business, or someone you know would be interested in sponsoring this initiative through the non-profit Pontiac Creative Art Center please contact me.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As always, thanks for supporting the music and I hope to see you at an upcoming show!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697732017-01-19T19:00:00-05:002017-01-20T14:48:54-05:00Soul Food & Spirits Rising<table style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<h3><span><span><span>Sunday, 1/22 - 3pm</span></span> Soul Food Gathering with Spirits Rising, South Indian Classical Quartet, Oakland Jazz Sextet, Biakuye Percussion Group, George Stoffan, and Men of Grace @ Pontiac Creative Arts Center</span></h3>
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<span><span><span>Saturday, 1/28 - 1pm</span></span> Spirits Rising Workshop @ Oakland University, </span>Varner Hall Room 109</h3>
<h3><span><span><span>Saturday, 1/28 - 8pm</span></span> Spirits Rising Concert @ Oakland University, Varner Recital Hall </span></h3>
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<p>I ended 2016 with a life-changing journey to complete the Dagara Gyil Goba Initiation in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Having studied the gyil xylophone for the past 25 years, completing this initiation was a major milestone. I am deeply grateful to my mentor, friend, and jumbie brother, Bernard Woma, along with his extended family, for seeing me through this epic journey. Photos from the initiation can be found <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1391194&k=417f71ae0db0c3d5c36ca2f6fa168d98" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1391194%26k%3D417f71ae0db0c3d5c36ca2f6fa168d98&source=gmail&ust=1485056656489000&usg=AFQjCNHLiNXINp1eo6cUt4rHCcvsQ_MtbA" data-imported="1">here</a>. While in the Upper West of Ghana, I also participated in the Kukur Bagr Festival with Bernard's Saakumu Dance Troupe. Photos of this beautiful two-day celebration can be found <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1391195&k=e0ded35c48e765790bd68f9f53e62d9b" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1391195%26k%3De0ded35c48e765790bd68f9f53e62d9b&source=gmail&ust=1485056656489000&usg=AFQjCNEx8Ycn7mF5Al25fy09iDoYjtOMOA" data-imported="1">here.</a></p>
<p>The Goba Initiation concluded a powerful year of spiritual reawaking for me, which began last January when I became a member of the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1391196&k=fd18ffa77cf6f983ee647ef12e02b84a" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1391196%26k%3Dfd18ffa77cf6f983ee647ef12e02b84a&source=gmail&ust=1485056656489000&usg=AFQjCNGr5a0uC10Fp2xfLgjghTX1XGtpYA" data-imported="1">Baha'i Faith</a> and included the miracle of my son Paxton's birth and subsequent life-saving surgery. In 2017, it is my goal to channel this spiritual growth as a Baha'i, father, and Goba into both my music and community work. As I attempt to meet this resolution, I'm kicking off the new year with two very special events.</p>
<p>This weekend, fellow Pontiac Arts Commissioner Dwayne Anthony and I are organizing our first <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1391197&k=f5624977a2c1b883f98771492c6a463d" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1391197%26k%3Df5624977a2c1b883f98771492c6a463d&source=gmail&ust=1485056656489000&usg=AFQjCNGboW-tvEPsfgN2oM9eN9NVL1epxg" data-imported="1">Soul Food event</a>. The purpose of this free event is to provide encouragement to our community through the healing power of music. Six different groups, representing a diverse range of cultural and spiritual traditions, will share their music and its message of peace and unity. The program takes place at the Pontiac Creative Art Center, located at 47 William Street, this Sunday, Jan. 22nd, at 3pm. </p>
<p>Then next Saturday, Jan. 28th, I will be hosting a workshop and performance by <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1391198&k=2b2d5e3759858d0f7bd778d99851033a" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1391198%26k%3D2b2d5e3759858d0f7bd778d99851033a&source=gmail&ust=1485056656489000&usg=AFQjCNHKNXP4CGM0IeqPMWLyEIgHbGCkXw" data-imported="1">Spirits Rising </a>at Oakland University. Spirits Rising is the new dynamic musical duo of Native American singers and songwriters Allison Radell (Powhatan) and Joe Reilly (Cherokee). Incorporating elements of jazz, folk, blues, hip-hop, rock and traditional Native American music, Spirits Rising shares music from the heart that inspires and uplifts. The duo is joined onstage by world-renowned musicians and Native American dancers. Together they weave traditional Native American culture into a powerful tapestry of contemporary music and rhythm, integrating diverse influences from the four directions. The <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1391199&k=0bae190d5bb6404623b44a6a349f5183" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1391199%26k%3D0bae190d5bb6404623b44a6a349f5183&source=gmail&ust=1485056656489000&usg=AFQjCNExY3dc75BB7s-V-0VZcS2NdidqGQ" data-imported="1">free workshop</a>begins at 1pm in room 109 Varner Hall and the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1391200&k=9ed527221bdb5f426ac07c651bddf52c" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1391200%26k%3D9ed527221bdb5f426ac07c651bddf52c&source=gmail&ust=1485056656489000&usg=AFQjCNEqQP9ZflMeFLhDbzSrgzGijDs2iw" data-imported="1">concert</a> begins at 8pm in Varner Recital Hall.</p>
<p>I hope to see you at one of these special events!</p>
<p>Mark </p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697722016-11-01T20:00:00-04:002016-11-02T15:44:04-04:00November Events: OU World Music Concerts featuring Paschal Younge, PASIC with Bernard Woma and Bill<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<h3><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1400050266"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 11/4 - 8pm</span></span> World Music Concert with Paschal Yao Younge @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall</span></h3>
<h3><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1400050267"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, 11/5 - 2pm</span></span> Workshop and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1400050268"><span class="aQJ">4pm</span></span> Concert with Paschal Younge @ Pontiac Creative Art Center </span></h3>
<h3><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1400050269"><span class="aQJ">Thursday, 11/10 - Noon</span></span>, Percussive Arts Society International Convention with Bernard Woma @ Indiana Convention Center, Room 201 </span></h3>
<h3><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1400050270"><span class="aQJ">Friday, 11/11 - 2pm</span></span>, Percussive Arts Society International Convention with Bill Summers @ Indaiana Convention Center, Room 120.</span></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size: small;">The fall semester is grooving right along. I’m very grateful to teach so many dedicated and energetic students at Oakland University. The success of my own teaching is built upon a foundation given to me by many generous teachers who have shared their musical passion. It is truly a privilege to get up every day and pass this rich gift of music on to the next generation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">The month of November is quite special, as I will be working together with three of my musical mentors. My very first professor at the University of Ghana back in 1992 was the multi-talented Paschal Younge. In addition to being a master Anlo-Ewe drummer, Paschal is a highly accomplished composer and brass band director. It is my great pleasure to welcome Paschal Younge to Oakland University for a residency this week, culminating in a<a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1339650&k=9d512459f928cf70a8a9297982922d30" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1339650%26k%3D9d512459f928cf70a8a9297982922d30&source=gmail&ust=1478226660954000&usg=AFQjCNH8aT4evP0_cnqDh4GsNJSeYz_L1w" data-imported="1">concert at Varner Recital Hall on Friday night</a>, featuring the Akwaaba African Ensemble, Ngoma World Percussion Ensemble, Pan-Jumbies Steel Band, and Afram Jazz Band. Then on Saturday afternoon, we will be presenting a free workshop and African drum performance at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1339651&k=f35c69f5681c45f66d3688cff9669630" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1339651%26k%3Df35c69f5681c45f66d3688cff9669630&source=gmail&ust=1478226660954000&usg=AFQjCNFeyHXNr4NKQ8NZ-nPN7ywVpMihZQ" data-imported="1">Pontiac Creative Art Center</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">The following week, I will be at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1339652&k=3cf26d8b425f7036568978aa3b177ec6" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470991%26l%3D1339652%26k%3D3cf26d8b425f7036568978aa3b177ec6&source=gmail&ust=1478226660954000&usg=AFQjCNGY0_-EbxmUUXqwhpY9LjatjC8YOQ" data-imported="1">Percussive Arts Society International Convention </a>in Indianapolis with two more of my wonderful teachers. On Thursday, I will be presenting a World Percussion Lab on Dagara Xylophone Music entitled “Learning Dagara Gyil” together with my long-time mentor and collaborator Bernard Woma. And on Friday, I will be performing Bata’ together with acclaimed percussionist Bill Summer's and his group Iroko.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I hope to see you at one of my upcoming events!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for your support,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Mark</span></p>
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<h3><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2094864706"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, Sept 10th at 8pm</span></span>: Regina Carter and the Oakland Jazz Quartet @ Oakland University, Varner Recital Hall</span></h3>
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<p><span>This weekend I’ll be kicking off the new school year with a special concert at Oakland University featuring Regina Carter and the Oakland Jazz Quartet. We will be reinterpreting compositions from the classical music canon, ranging from Mozart to Reich. The program will include several arrangements from Regina’s 2003 album <em>Paganini: After A Dream</em>, inspired by her opportunity to play the celebrated virtuoso’s violin. It will also include two of my Astor Piazzolla arrangements from my 2008 album <em>Piazzolla plus 5. </em>Tickets can be purchased <a href="http://www.startickets.com/events/item/regina-carter-w-the-oakland-jazz-quartet" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.startickets.com/events/item/regina-carter-w-the-oakland-jazz-quartet&source=gmail&ust=1473476269006000&usg=AFQjCNEAXv9NSfxryQFwaAlu_kb1WB3ogA" data-imported="1">here.</a></span></p>
<p><span>My trip to Ecuador this past summer was a wonderful experience. During my first week, I presented daily workshops and a concert at the Quito Percussion Festival, hosted by Carlos Alba of Estudio de Percusión and the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Ecuador. Working and performing with co-presenter Cesar Gonzalez and the many festival participants was an absolute blast. During my second week, I traveled to Otavalo and the Chota Valley and learned about the rich Quechua and Afro-Ecuadorian cultures through the CIMAS foundation’s program “Wisdom of the Indigenous.” I am deeply grateful for this marvelous experience.</span></p>
<p><span>Throughout my Ecuador trip, I enjoyed a lot of quality time with my predecessor at Oakland University, Prof. Emeritus Marvin “Doc” Holladay. Doc and his awesome wife Diane hosted me at their home in Cumbaya. I also greatly enjoyed hanging out with OU alum Walt “Dr. Detroit” Szymanski while in Quito. Photos from our adventures can be viewed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1350051940&sk=photos&collection_token=1350051940%3A2305272732%3A6" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id%3D1350051940%26sk%3Dphotos%26collection_token%3D1350051940%253A2305272732%253A6&source=gmail&ust=1473476269006000&usg=AFQjCNGqfiqRBDzpVWGqRmXtcMw4Xi8oJA" data-imported="1">here</a>. I also snuck away one morning to a recording studio where I recorded Paxton’s composition “Heart Warrior,” which can be heard <a href="https://soundcloud.com/mark-stone-15/heart-warrior" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://soundcloud.com/mark-stone-15/heart-warrior&source=gmail&ust=1473476269006000&usg=AFQjCNGWnLvFicDX3RFqPLHbcCA93l3d6g" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span>All events for the remainder of the year have been posted on <a href="http://www.markstonepercussion.com/calendar/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.markstonepercussion.com/calendar/&source=gmail&ust=1473476269006000&usg=AFQjCNElV-K4ftsXubCobfJi3Jd6KrSHWw" data-imported="1">my website</a>. I hope to see you soon.</span></p>
<p><span>Peace and Love,</span></p>
<p><span>Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697702016-07-06T20:00:00-04:002016-08-10T14:12:25-04:00Wings of the Spirit, Southpaw Isle Steelband, Ecuador Percussion Festival<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/a039b76735132a9cc2fb1119ba502f3fa6dd1b5c/original/dad-and-paxton.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjM4eDc2MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="760" width="638" /></p>
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<h3><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326859439"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, July 10th at 2pm</span></span>: Wings of the Spirit - Interfaith Gathering @ House Concert in Bloomfield Hills</span></h3>
<h3><strong><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326859440"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday, July 13th at 8pm</span></span>: Southpaw Isle Steelband - Summer Music Series @ Nardin Park United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills</span></strong></h3>
<h3><strong><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326859441"><span class="aQJ">Monday, July 25th to Thursday, July 28th</span></span>: Solo Concert and Workshops @ 11th International Percussion Festival in Quito, ECUADOR</span></strong></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size: small;">This past month was intense, the most challenging of my life. I am thrilled to be getting back to playing some music in the month ahead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">My son Paxton Lloyd Stone was born on May 26<sup>th</sup> with an undiagnosed congenital heart defect. Thankfully, my awesome wife and Paxton’s pediatrician realized things were not right. At 11 days old, Pax underwent heart surgery at the University of Michigan Mott Children’s hospital. The operation was a success, and he spent the next 10 days of his life recovering at U of M. During this traumatic time, we received an incredible outpouring of love from all over the globe. People of all spiritual backgrounds, including Baha’i, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist friends, all prayed fervently for Paxton, sending him positive thoughts and healing energy. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I will be celebrating Paxton’s recovery with a special interfaith concert <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326859443"><span class="aQJ">this Sunday</span></span> at the home of Azar and Hormoz Alizadeh in Bloomfield Hills. Saxophonist Matt Dufresne, pianist Bob Schneeweis, and I will be presenting a program of spiritually inspired works, including original compositions and pieces from John Coltrane's transcendental album "Meditations." Details, address, and RSVP information, <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1255542&k=316f1ab2cb95f6bd5cbd6f860be5e60a" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470994%26l%3D1255542%26k%3D316f1ab2cb95f6bd5cbd6f860be5e60a&source=gmail&ust=1468019366231000&usg=AFQjCNG_PDvHeuTISHI48JDNHj-0ABpXVg" data-imported="1">can be found here</a> and below. The program will include the premiere performance of “Heart Warrior,” written for my son Paxton. A sneak preview of Pax and I playing his piece <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1255543&k=cee7e15608a1f9fdd3c750f30fe4826c" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470994%26l%3D1255543%26k%3Dcee7e15608a1f9fdd3c750f30fe4826c&source=gmail&ust=1468019366232000&usg=AFQjCNFXeVg1e92saDL2Twym-9ir68B5ag" data-imported="1">can be seen here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/RxzZhADfJB3xTWb35MbvOZABc3M2ApElAJKdLjv7F6Fzt376pA9HStYKIxErO_NIYY0f6suwexDc5AE6Urlqi4bQQQf-k7bppH-qpIF9jBUbSW8dUg=s0-d-e1-ft#http://www.markstonepercussion.com/img/Interfaith_Gathering.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Wings of the Spirit" height="700" width="500" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Then next Wednesday, July 13<sup>th</sup>, the Southpaw Isle Steelband will be performing at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326859445"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span> as part of the Nardin Park United Methodist Church’s Summer Music Series in Farmington Hills. This free concert will feature exciting steelband music performed by Lesley-Anne Stone (lead pan), Pat Prouty (bass), Miguel Gutierrez (percussion), and myself (double second pans). <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1255544&k=2e138dbd4dc88ccc281cbdedc47fba1f" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c%3D4470994%26l%3D1255544%26k%3D2e138dbd4dc88ccc281cbdedc47fba1f&source=gmail&ust=1468019366232000&usg=AFQjCNG3N3BRPp21CvofW9GM1INsbeqbeQ" data-imported="1">More details can be found here</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/a77447f80de4e7ab2b6a8112cd1d0c5f08eb657a/original/mark-and-cesar.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDkwNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="905" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">At the end of July, I will be traveling to Ecuador to present a solo performance and workshops at the 11th International Percussion and Educational Festival in Quito. I’m happy to be part of this weeklong event featuring a wide range of national and international percussion artists. I also look forward to exploring Ecuador’s vast musical and cultural scene after the festival concludes with Marvin “Doc” Holladay, my predecessor at Oakland University who has retired to Ecuador.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I hope to see you at one of my upcoming performances.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Peace and Love,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697692016-04-05T20:00:00-04:002016-04-06T14:00:16-04:00OU World Music Concert, OU Percussion Ensembles with Roger Braun, Vibrations Ensemble in New Jersey<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<h3><strong><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_166810278"><span class="aQJ">Friday, April 8th at 8pm</span></span> - Oakland University World Music Concert featuring Akwaaba and the Pan-Jumbies @ Oakland University's Varner Recital Hall </span></strong></h3>
<h3><strong><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_166810279"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday, April 13th at 7:30pm</span></span> - Oakland University Percussion Ensemble Concert, featuring Roger Braun @ Oakland University's Varner Recital Hall </span></strong></h3>
<h3><strong><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_166810280"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, April 24th at 4pm</span></span> - Vibrations Carnatic Jazz Ensemble @ North Brunswick, New Jersey</span></strong></h3>
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<p><span style="font-size: small;">It has been a whirlwind month with nonstop performing and teaching, but I am thankful for the opportunity to work with so many incredible artists and to teach such dedicated students. I enjoyed multiple performances last weekend with OU Artist-in-Residence Regina Carter and my colleagues in the Oakland Jazz Quartet. <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1188699&k=66cffd563cb28209762a5dbd4f7ab2c9" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Here is a short sample of our work together.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">This week at Oakland University, our students in the African Ensemble and Steel Band will be presenting their end of semester concert <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_166810281"><span class="aQJ">on Friday</span></span> night. <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1188700&k=8091e9b679ab8ad21b1ba621b3adbc47" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Details can be found here.</a> And <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_166810282"><span class="aQJ">on Wednesday</span></span>, students in the OU Percussion Ensemble and World Percussion Ensemble will be presenting a concert featuring my longtime friend Roger Braun and his original compositions and arrangements. <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1188701&k=d5e35eaf0151b338431ea86e9e8c84a9" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Details can be found here</a>. These concerts are not to be missed!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Two weeks ago, I enjoyed performing at the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival (the largest festival of Indian music outside of India) with some of the finest Carnatic musicians in the world. <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1188702&k=1aaa8c206b3cfc25c89803da1e4ad6b9" target="_blank" data-imported="1">A write up of the event can be found here</a>. Later this month, after wrapping up the semester, I will head to New Jersey to perform with many of these wonderful musicians again. This will be my first performance in the New York area in over a year, so I encourage my New York friends to come out and hear Vibrations Carnatic Jazz Ensemble! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/b8u7Xesrkj7W5tcBXvYKul33H8FAb6XD93wC6gSTDYP6MBymLrXg-OedGr3q5hSp9_7yx0ZLb6ECo9n4PFEDNZZshXGxGPSGTrLZNtrtZTHklHWJTB1y0iLzng=s0-d-e1-ft#http://www.markstonepercussion.com/img/vibrations_updated_nbths_2.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Vibrations Carnatic Jazz Ensemble" height="905" width="640" /><br></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I will be taking the month of May off as Lesley-Anne and I eagerly anticipate the birth of our newest family member. :-) Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we get closer to the big day!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Peace,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697682016-02-25T19:00:00-05:002016-02-26T04:18:58-05:00Afternoon of Carnatic Music, Southpaw Isle Steelband, Oakland Jazz Quartet, Thyagaraja Festival<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/b81e4a7262d1023eba49ae890b06ad80d5d97058/original/carnatic-music-poster-final.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDk4OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="989" width="640" /></p>
<p>A big thank you to everyone who came out to support our Chennai fundraiser! Thanks to your generous support we were able to raise $1371 to aid musicians affected by the recent floods in Chennai, India.</p>
<p>The next few months are super busy with all kinds of fun and creative performances. This Sunday, I will be hosting “An Afternoon of Carnatic Music” at Oakland University. The event will feature Kiranavali Vidyasankar (voice), Keerthana Sankar (violin), and Vinod Seetharaman (mridangam). They will present a workshop at 1pm, a pre-concert discussion at 3pm, and a grand classical concert at 4pm. Come on out to learn about and experience the beauty of Carnatic music. More information <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1158762&k=69c933e106a13d024f0bf3501687485b" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p>Then next Friday, March 4<sup>th</sup>, the Southpaw Isle Steelband will be performing at 7pm as part of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church’s Concert Series. This highly participatory family concert will trace the history of the steel pan and feature exciting steelband music performed by Lesley-Anne Stone (lead pan), John Dana (bass), Miguel Gutierrez (percussion), and myself (double second pans). More details <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1158763&k=30b3790a29aad511c1a31e7c2edec189" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>. The following Saturday, March 12<sup>th</sup>, I’ll be hittin’ with the Oakland Jazz Quartet as we accompany the Patterson Rhythm Pace Dance Company’s production of “Swingin’”, featuring vocalist Trish Shandor and music from Natalie Cole’s album “Unforgettable with Love.” Details <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1158764&k=a6315c5627cb3f1984f93cce8583ca2e" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p>Latter in the month, I have the distinct privilege of taking part in the annual Cleveland Tyagaraja Festival. This 12-day festival is the largest Indian classical music event outside of India. The entire festival is amazing! I will be featured together with Padma Shri awardee Aruna Sairam in “A Jazz-Carnatic Collaboration” on Friday, March 25<sup>th</sup>. The concert will take place at4:45pm on the campus of Cleveland State University in Waetjen Auditorium. Read complete festival details <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1158765&k=792d9295ecacf2cd88049b0f5a9bee66" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</p>
<p>I hope to see you at one or more of my upcoming performances.</p>
<p>Thanks for your support,</p>
<p>Mark</p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697672016-01-28T19:00:00-05:002016-01-29T05:26:57-05:00Chennai Benefit Reminder<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/33112b0196f3c0383a13b70a581029979393eed0/original/chennai-benefit-concert.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDkyNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="927" width="600" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">It was great to see everyone earlier this month for Percussion Day at OU and at the Martin Luther King Day Celebration in A2. I just want to remind you that <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1750749254"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> night (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1750749255"><span class="aQJ">Saturday 1/30</span></span>) is our special fundraiser for musicians affected by last month’s floods in Chennai, India. This benefit is in collaboration with the Carnatica Archival Center, a Chennai-based non-profit. The concert will take place beginning at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1750749256"><span class="aQJ">7pm</span></span> at OU’s Varner Recital Hall and will feature <em>Michigan Jugalbandi</em>, a group including myself (mbira/ gyil) along with fellow OU professors Sam Jeyasingham (mridangam/ kanjira/ morsing) and Patrick Fitzgibbon (tabla/ drum set) as well as OU graduate student Matt Dufresne (saxophones). <em>Michigan Jugalbandi’s</em>performance will be followed by a traditional Carnatic performance featuring our region's preeminent Carnatic musicians: Madurai Sundar (voice), Jay Balan (violin), and Jannagan Jeyakumar (mridangam).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our co-sponsor, the Great Lakes Aradhana Committee (GLAC), Michigan’s premier Carnatic music presenter, will collect donations at the door. All funds raised will be sent directly to the Carnatic Archival Center in Chennai to support Chennai-based musicians, many of whom lost everything in the recent floods. As GLAC is a non-profit, your donations are tax deductible. Also, if you are not able to attend but would still like to make a donation, donations can be made online <a href="http://www.glacmichigan.com/" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for your support,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697662016-01-05T19:00:00-05:002021-08-17T08:03:16-04:00Percussion Day, I Can! Benefit, MLK Day, Chennai Benefit<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/0c6dbc006a2462223c82b9e6a3a270ea1daf902e/original/percussion-day-pc-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NDAweDYxOCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="618" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Wishing you a joyous and blessed New Year! Year-end concerts with Bernard Woma, Doc Holladay, my trio, Joe Reilly, and the OJQ were a blast and I am most grateful to the many people who took home a copy of my new CD at these shows. If you have not yet picked up a copy, get one <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1117439&k=0aa63cfa49578ffed89d7b4eb3071885" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I’m thrilled to kick-off 2016 with some particularly meaningful musical events. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1492746857"><span class="aQJ">This Saturday</span></span> at Oakland University, together with my OU colleagues Dan Maslanka, Sean Dobbins, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Sam Jeyasingham, and Michael Medvinsky, I will be hosting our signature percussion event: Percussion Day. This year, Percussion Day will feature workshops on concert percussion, steel drums, drum set, South Indian drums, East African xylophone, and a special guest jazz vibraphone workshop with Joe Locke. And if that wasn’t enough, students can also get feedback on solo & ensemble pieces or other material through individual lessons with Dan, Sean, Patrick, and myself. This yearly event is open to all ages and skill levels and will take place <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1492746858"><span class="aQJ">January 9</span></span><sup>th</sup> from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1492746859"><span class="aQJ">9am to 6pm</span></span> at OU’s Varner Hall, rooms 134 and 110. View the complete schedule <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1117440&k=bf87d2e4dbf29cfa85f29046a7d51a30" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>and please spread the word!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/ac827863a042fbcb722ee6ae53fcbb0feff88c9e/original/percussion-day-pc-2.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDM5OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="399" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">With the many challenges we face as a nation, I believe that this month’s Martin Luther King Day must be celebrated more passionately than ever. Come celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by attending a special “couples” performance of the Biakuye Percussion Group on Jan. 18<sup>th</sup>, at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1117441&k=7c505cce3dec401d7a4322d88dec3f2b" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Ann Arbor Downtown Library</a>. This <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1492746861"><span class="aQJ">2 pm</span></span> all-ages MLK Day event features Chinelo Amen-Ra and his wife, accomplished dancer Ambyr Amen-Ra, along with myself and my wife, gifted musician Lesley-Anne Stone.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I am also taking part in two notable fundraisers this month, the first for the community of Pontiac, and the second for the community of Chennai, India. I will be performing as part of a <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1117442&k=f5862e1cc11de8119f2daa7dc5d9e6fe" target="_blank" data-imported="1">fundraiser for I Can!</a> Education and Enrichment Center of Pontiac. I Can! is run by my former student, Georgie Williams. Georgie is passionate about the arts and its power to transform communities. This grassroots organization is doing great work, especially for the youth of Pontiac. Their fundraiser will take place on Friday, January 15<sup>th</sup> at Oakland University’s Varner Recital Hall at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1492746863"><span class="aQJ">7:30pm</span></span>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Then on Saturday, January 30<sup>th</sup>, I am hosting a <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=1117443&k=35b116566d11538d586852f89e2b1113" target="_blank" data-imported="1">benefit concert</a> for victims of last month’s devastating flooding in Chennai, India. If not for a last-minute cancellation, I would have been in India during these floods, which killed several hundred people and displaced thousands. The affected and displaced also includes musicians, many of whom lost not only their homes, but also all of their instruments. As a way of supporting my adoptive Indian music community, I have organized a benefit concert for musicians affected by the Chennai floods. This benefit is in collaboration with the Carnatica Archival Center, a Chennai-based non-profit. The concert will take place beginning at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1492746865"><span class="aQJ">7pm</span></span> at OU’s Varner Recital Hall and will feature <em>Michigan Jugalbandi</em>, a group led by myself (mbira/ gyil) with fellow OU professors Sam Jeyasingham (kanjira/ morsing) and Patrick Fitzgibbon (tabla/ drum set) as well as OU graduate student Matt Dufresne (saxophones) and mridangam artist Vinod Seetharaman. <em>Michigan Jugalbandi’s </em>performance will be followed by a traditional Carnatic performance featuring Michigan’s preeminent Carnatic musicians: Madurai Sundar (voice), Jay Balan (violin), and Vinod Seetharaman (mridangam).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you can attend one or more of these special events.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Happy New Year,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Mark</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697652015-10-31T20:00:00-04:002015-11-01T02:48:32-05:00OU World Music Ensembles' 40th Anniversary Concerts, Mark Stone Trio at PASIC<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/ee64f7b7d1b1410fd1c643618d99a7ccfc6d4462/original/world-music-40th-pc.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="414" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks to everyone who came out to support my CD release concerts last month! We had a great time playing and sharing the music. If you have not yet picked up a copy of my new album it is now <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1068268&k=09359622beef6a1021cb550440649763" target="_blank" data-imported="1">available for download on CD baby</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This week I am thrilled to be hosting Marvin "Doc" Holladay and Bernard Woma at Oakland University. Doc is the professor who started our world music program forty years ago. In my work at OU, I have been most fortunate to build upon the solid foundation that he created so many years ago. Doc has also had a stellar career as both a jazz musician and ethnomusicologist. Bernard is my mentor from Ghana with whom I have collaborated since 1992. The knowledge that he has so generously shared with me over the years is central to my teaching. Bernard is a dynamic percussionist and the foremost gyil (Ghanaian xylophone) performer in the world. Together with my colleague Patrick Fitzgibbon and our wonderful OU students, we will be celebrating 40 years of world music at Oakland University with two concerts <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">this Friday</span></span>. Tickets for the morning concert are available <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1068269&k=c4732e036b403e6a27983e8267f9bb32" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>. Tickets for the evening concert are available <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1068270&k=a974ac7429b1fd981fdab9b7736da73b" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">For those of you attending the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in San Antonio, I will be playing with my trio on <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday, Nov. 12th</span></span>. We will be presenting a clinic/performance titiled, "<a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1068271&k=fdf58839fb33ce830c024b075b776379" target="_blank" data-imported="1">New Music for Mbira, Tabla, and Violin."</a> Our presentation will take place at <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2pm</span></span> in room 214 of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697642015-10-03T20:00:00-04:002015-10-18T04:01:04-04:00Mark Stone - CD Release Concerts<div style="max-width: 600px; max-height: 785px; min-width: 300px;">
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As the weather cools and we enter fall, I am thankful for a joyful summer of travel, music making, and time with family. My trips to South Africa and Uganda were awesome. I had the honor of being an adjudicator and clinician at the International Marimba and Steel Pan Festival in Johannesburg. With more than 1,600 participants from all over Africa, the festival was an absolutely exhilarating experience! I then continued on to Uganda to work with Haruna Walusimbi and his group Nile Beat Artists. The highlight of my trip was visiting my friends and teachers in Nakibembe village, Uganda. Words cannot express the happiness I felt in being reunited with the Nakibembe Xylophone Group after 18 years and seeing them carrying on their beautiful embaire tradition. During my visit, Haruna took a photo of me with the group, which so clearly captured the moment that I decided to use it as the cover of my new album (a video I recorded of the Nakibembe group can be viewed <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1050215&k=a97763a8c2407870a18363907e8ae506" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here)</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/63f6e8f7815c37cbdca6d74ee335fb3239d1a469/original/mark-stone-trio-cd-release-pc-2-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDk4OSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="989" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">And that brings me to my major accomplishment of the summer: I finished my new CD! Please come and celebrate with me this weekend – Friday October 9<sup>th</sup> at Oakland University and Saturday October 10<sup>th</sup> at the Carr Center in Detroit. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1298301107"><span class="aQJ">This Friday’s</span></span> concert is at <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1050216&k=e92a3ff3b2b443e5ad58502b10aa3ed5" target="_blank" data-imported="1">OU’s Varner Recital Hall</a>. Tickets are $14 general and $8 students and can be purchased <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1050217&k=f1733efcbe451e924737ef7f764d4c30" target="_blank" data-imported="1">online</a> or at the door. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1298301108"><span class="aQJ">Saturday’s</span></span> concert is at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1050218&k=b65960ad6eec6d0cf6b3792b63847239" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Carr Center</a>, 311 E. Grand River Ave. in Detroit. The Carr Center is located just behind Music Hall and a suggested donation of $10 can be made at the door. My new CD will be for sale at both events, so come by and pick up a copy. The album, entitled<em>Kakaire</em>, includes 11 original compositions/arrangements for global percussion and strings. It features violinists Regina Carter, Raghanvendra Rao, and Alan Grubner, percussionists Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan and Dan Piccolo, bassist Miles Brown, and multi-instrumentalist Haruna Walusimbi. You can listen to a sneak preview of the CD <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=1050219&k=caf1f3356531875e2fc4105a9cd325aa" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.mixcloud.com/widget/iframe/?autoplay=&embed_type=widget_standard&embed_uuid=18d9deb6-4eed-45e9-9ed6-9217a7392d6e&feed=%2Fwxou%2Finterview-with-mark-stone%2F&hide_artwork=&hide_cover=&hide_tracklist=&light=&mini=&replace=0&stylecolor=" width="300"></iframe></p>
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<p style="display: block; font-size: 11px; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0; padding: 3px 4px; color: #999; width: 300;"><a style="color: #808080; font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/wxou/interview-with-mark-stone/?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=base_links&utm_term=resource_link" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Interview with Mark Stone</a><span> by </span><a style="color: #808080; font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/wxou/?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=base_links&utm_term=profile_link" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Wxou</a><span> on </span><a style="color: #808080; font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.mixcloud.com/?utm_source=widget&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=base_links&utm_term=homepage_link" target="_blank" data-imported="1"> Mixcloud</a></p>
<div style="clear: both; height: 3px;"></div>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697632015-05-17T20:00:00-04:002015-05-18T11:25:50-04:00African Premiere of Gyil Concerti, Sarovar Festival 2015, Mark Stone Trio<p><span style="font-size: medium;">After an incredible three months of performing, teaching, and recording together, I dropped off Haruna Walusimbi at the airport last week to head back to Uganda. During his time in the U.S. we visited ten states, gave 25 performances, had countless good times together, and even performed with Bela Fleck, one my musical heroes. Wherever we went, Haruna delighted audiences with a rich treasure trove of Ugandan music and dance. It was a joy to watch my students at Oakland University soak up Haruna’s deep knowledge of East African traditions throughout his residency. He made a lasting impression on all of us through his generosity, kindness, and ever-positive attitude, especially my three-year-old Ellery, who misses Uncle Haruna’s constant akogo playing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/06b80dca9e1ad86a92f5452331dfc32fc24cb692/original/bela-abigail-haruna-mark.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDM4OCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="388" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">A week later and I am now headed to Africa myself to perform with the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6725022&l=950043&k=bbcf01abd138d06fccc11bc664cfa0f8" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Bernard Woma Ensemble as a featured artist with the Kwazulu-Natal Philharmonic</a> in Durban, South Africa. I’m excited be making a return trip to Durban to give African premieres of the Gyil Jumbie Concerto and the Gyil Yeru Concerto. Our performance will take place this Thursday at Durban City Hall.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As soon as I return from South Africa, some of India’s finest Carnatic musicians will be arriving in Michigan for our 5<sup>th</sup> Annual Sarovar Indo-American Festival of Performing Arts. In addition to hosting the festival at Oakland University, I will be performing with the Vibrations Ensemble on Saturday, May 30<sup>th</sup>, and Percussion Jugalbandi on Sunday, May 31<sup>st</sup>. The Vibrations Ensemble is made up of many of the musicians I worked with during my sabbatical last fall in India, and this is a rare opportunity to hear the group in Michigan. Percussion Jugalbandi is a new project with my OU colleagues Sam Jeyasingham and Patrick Fitzgibbon, as well as local mridangam expert Vinod Seetharaman. A full schedule of all the great events taking place throughout this three-day festival can be found <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6725022&l=950044&k=5c29a5f1b9a235dcff45bde97c08cb21" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/1984976a696c9c82028964edd9600777ba099815/original/vibrations-ensemble.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDk5NyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="997" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then as we head into June I will have four performances with the Mark Stone Trio featuring Alan Grubner and Dan Piccolo. During these performances, I will be sharing some of my new compositions for the group, written this past fall while on sabbatical. We will be performing two full sets of my music at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6725022&l=950045&k=a1f34d16afd9bc8bb3ac9f7fbce65ee0" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Ann Arbor Canterbury House</a> at 2pm on Sunday, June 7<sup>th</sup>. My trio will also be presenting three concerts together with the Sounding Light Chorale directed by the great Tom Trenney on June 5<sup>th</sup>, 6<sup>th</sup>, and 7<sup>th</sup>. Each concert will take place at a different Michigan church beginning at 7pmand will feature the trio performing alone and with the chorale. Details about the concerts can be found <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6725022&l=950046&k=b826109ef37bab2d6d72001502ca2505" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a>.</span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/3a364af8e862eff398acf035c08a62f72193096e/original/world-made-new.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDgyOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="829" width="640" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am blessed to have these opportunities to play such a wide range of music with so many incredible musicians. I do hope you can make it out to one or more of the shows.</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697622015-04-08T20:00:00-04:002015-04-09T03:23:44-04:00Haruna Walusimbi at Oakland University<table style="width: 600px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885660451"><span class="aQJ">Friday, April 10th at 10am</span></span> - Haruna Walusimbi @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885660452"><span class="aQJ">Friday, April 10th at 8pm</span></span> - Haruna Walusimbi @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885660453"><span class="aQJ">Saturday, April 11th at 8pm</span></span> - Haruna Walusimbi @ Oakland University Varner Recital Hall </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885660454"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30pm</span></span> - Joe Reilly and the Community Gardeners @ Farmington Hills Earth Day Celebration </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885660455"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, April 26th at 1pm</span></span> - Haruna Walusimbi @ Ann Arbor Library - Downtown Branch </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_885660456"><span class="aQJ">Monday, May 4th at 7:30pm</span></span> - Spring Percussion Ensemble Concert @ University of Wisconsin Oshkosh</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: medium;">It has been wonderful to host my Ugandan brother Haruna Walusimbi at Oakland University for the past two months. After not seeing one another for nearly 18 years, we have had a lot to catch up on. Together we've done plenty of traveling, performing, and teaching including: a Brooklyn Concert, New Jersey City and Manhattan School Performances, a West Virginia University residency, Eastern Michigan University masterclass, Michigan school performances, and a <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=923198&k=0404a7267d5819297dd95d69d332a857" target="_blank" data-imported="1">collaborative concert at Cleveland State University</a> with friends from India and Michigan .</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Please come out this weekend to one of <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=923199&k=4d570c9a11012822e7cb9223c34d0084" target="_blank" data-imported="1">three concerts at Oakland University</a> to experience Haruna Walusimbi's amazing work with my students. These shows are not to be missed and I am very proud of my OU students for their musicianship and dedication to learning Haruna's music. Here is a <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=923200&k=276d77412679673876e27484c14ce084" target="_blank" data-imported="1">sneak peek of our program</a> from an appearance yesterday morning on Fox 2 Detroit.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Later in the month, I'll be <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=923201&k=8e9519561e4c201fd9b33c0e35da3cbb" target="_blank" data-imported="1">performing with Joe Reilly</a> and some of my favorite Michigan musicians to celebrate Earth Day. I also have additional performances scheduled with Haruna at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=923202&k=9a8f35a3a340552aeab8b5072bf4ee89" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Ann Arbor Library </a>and at the University of Wisconsin.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you can make it out to one or more of these programs. Thanks for supporting the music!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>
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</table>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697612015-01-04T19:00:00-05:002015-01-05T03:18:01-05:00OU Percussion Day, OJQ with Regina Carter, Biakuye<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/7182f25711ca8b9f1513e2da26ef7cee5596e0f4/original/percussion-day-pc-mailer-1.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="414" width="640" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Happy New Year!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">After an exciting and refreshing sabbatical I’m ready to get back to teaching. In addition to my performance and research travels, I was able to get a lot of composing done and I look forward to sharing some new music with everyone in 2015. My experiences touring the UAE and India were truly life-changing. I had the opportunity to collaborate with so many incredible musicians whose generosity of spirit and creativity enabled me to grow as both a musician and person.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Photo albums of my travels can be viewed here:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844415&k=151e2e7581d01904731a9a4a8f3ccd20" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Dubai, UAE</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844416&k=0884e7874e5ea8cfcddd41987cdc9a67" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Chennai, India</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844417&k=298539ca43f1d3ed773e5943a8f51288" target="_blank" data-imported="1">New Delhi, India</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844418&k=f22448910a57dffda5abe1ece745269f" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Coimbatore, India</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844419&k=bcbc4a8f09ca7364e7126765a1e80b45" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Bangalore, India</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">There is also a video from the final performance of my residency at Ohio University that <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844420&k=4498c267fd69048049e80025da045d3c" target="_blank" data-imported="1">can be viewed here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">I’m kicking off this new year with several events that I hope you can attend. This Saturday, Jan 10<sup>th</sup>, I will be hosting a full day of percussion workshops at Oakland University. This free event is open to the public and will include workshops on technology, concert percussion, drum set, steel drums, Indian percussion, and African percussion (<a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844421&k=f4246b2fe82588bad0705de67d2011ad" target="_blank" data-imported="1">register here</a>). Then next Saturday, Jan 17<sup>th</sup>, the Oakland Jazz Quartet will be performing with Regina Carter at the Carr Center in Detroit. This concert with Regina features the music of Jimi Hendrix (<a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844422&k=623416a3fa178e3ce294de5cd37a8d90" target="_blank" data-imported="1">get tickets here</a>). Finally, I will be celebrating Martin Luther King Day (Monday, Jan 19<sup>th</sup>) with a free family performance by <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844423&k=05fc5222d606a9bd192092ee69993534" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Biakuye at the Ann Arbor Library</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Looking ahead, my Ugandan brother Haruna Walusimbi will be making his first visit to the U.S. this February. Haruna is an incredible performing artist and will be in <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=844424&k=d9984733990341cc0b1746a95d38ef3e" target="_blank" data-imported="1">residence at Oakland University</a> for three months. He is available for school workshops and concerts throughout his stay and we will be doing both an East Coast and Midwest tour. Please contact me if you are interested in scheduling a performance or workshop with Haruna on East African ngoma (music, song, and dance) during his visit.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for supporting the music,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Mark</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697602014-10-27T20:00:00-04:002014-10-28T04:04:03-04:00Bharat Sangeet Utsav - INDIA<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/d163003e5332100c5dc8e6001e3640efba5a388a/original/bsu-2014b.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDMyMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="320" width="640" /></p>
<p><span style="background-color: #888888;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/5c7df909a45330c4eaceb343ff5f66d3d5cb3d08/original/bharat-sangeet-utsav-delhi.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ1MiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="452" width="640" /></span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697592014-09-18T20:00:00-04:002014-09-19T02:34:04-04:00Southpaw Isle Steelband, Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, Spirits Rising<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/37fef419f1ef9ea7c5345e075eeee0db387da151/original/markstonesmiling.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDU0MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="541" width="640" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Fall may still officially be a few days away, but it has definitely arrived here in Michigan. And what an incredible fall it is! For the first time in 40 years I am not in school but instead enjoying the best perk of a career in academia: a sabbatical! The purpose of a sabbatical is to give profs like myself some time off from teaching to pursue research. I’m really taking advantage of this opportunity and am busy preparing for exciting research trips to Uganda and India in October and November.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">But I love teaching and just can’t stay away! I just finished my first of two residencies at the other OU (Ohio University - photo above), taking part in “Experience Percussion” with the Mark Stone Trio. I’ll be back again early next month to present the <em>Embaire – Xylophone Music of Busoga </em>as part of Ohio University’s “Global Excursions.” If you are in the Athens, OH area, <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6726848&l=757119&k=daba7cb31be5185fc3bec9fbb0bd9994" target="_blank" data-imported="1">my presentation</a>will take place on 10/8 in the Recital Hall and the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6726848&l=757120&k=cb2e47b8b646eae85a00ee29681d5ff7" target="_blank" data-imported="1">final performance</a> will be at Memorial Auditorium on 10/11. I’m also looking forward to doing some guest teaching while in both Uganda and India.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Before I take off on my big adventure, there are still a few more shows friends in Michigan can catch. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_441090613"><span class="aQJ">This Saturday</span></span> my steelband, Southpaw Isle, will be performing a <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_441090614"><span class="aQJ">2pm</span></span> FREE family concert at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6726848&l=757121&k=5507b5c93b1f7e11c52f9661bfb775b5" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Ann Arbor Library, Pittsfield Branch</a>. Then the following <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_441090615"><span class="aQJ">Sunday, 9/28</span></span>, I’ll be playing with the Scott Gwinell Jazz Orchestra as part of a <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6726848&l=757122&k=0eb6d7bf8e4e7140fc55d9f29860dd47" target="_blank" data-imported="1">special combined performance</a> with the Motor City Symphony Orchestra at the Macomb Center. To kick off October, I’ll be joining the new group Spirits Rising, led by Joe Reilly and Allison Radell on 10/4, as part of the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6726848&l=757123&k=a2b980a909b7ecf521d380414ff7f946" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Native American Heritage Celebration in Detroit</a>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">My friends in Uganda and India, I can’t wait to catch up with all of you! In Uganda, I’ll be hosted by Haruna Walusimbi; in India, I’ll be hosted by KN Shashikiran. Details on my performances and workshops abroad will be posted <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6726848&l=757124&k=af63cc21bcdba06f4b19ece02a009463" target="_blank" data-imported="1">here</a> once everything is finalized.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Autumn,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Mark</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697582014-08-17T20:00:00-04:002014-08-18T15:27:12-04:00Mark Stone Trio, Joe Reilly Band, OU Alumni and Friends Trip to South Africa<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve had a wonderful summer here in Michigan spending quality time with my family and playing festivals/parties with my steel band. While it was disappointing to have my trip to Ghana cancelled, as a result I was able to attend some very cool events at home in the mitten. Last weekend I played at the Magick Rhythm Fest. with my trio and attended the Rhyhm Bones Fest. in Grand Rapids. Both of these events were truly one-of-kind and now I’m a member of the <a href="http://www.rhythmbones.com/index.html" data-imported="1">Rhythm Bones Society</a> :-) </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">As summer winds down I have great gigs coming up this Wednesday and next Wednesday. On 8/20 I’ll be playing with my trio as part of the <a href="http://www.lathrupvillage.org/index.aspx?NID=128" data-imported="1">Lathrup Village Concert Series</a>. Then on 8/27 I’ll be playing in an all-star band led by Joe Reilly at the <a href="http://www.detroitzoo.org/events/wildsummernights" data-imported="1">Detroit Zoo’s Wild Summer Nights Concert Series</a>. I hope you can make it to one of these shows! For those who like to plan further ahead, Sept. and Oct. <a href="http://www.markstonepercussion.com/calendar/" data-imported="1">events are posted on this website</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/f4c680c598955ee4290a6b104c58581308af6669/original/south-africa-trip.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDMyMCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="320" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be leading an OU Alumni trip to South Africa in March. This trip is open to OU alum, OU faculty and staff, as well as “friends of the university.” So all my friends, you are most welcome to join. You can <a href="http://cf.gocollette.com/link/606564#.U_K1ToBdWRD" data-imported="1">read all the details here</a> and shoot me an email if you are interested in traveling to South Africa.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy these final weeks of summer!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697572014-06-15T20:00:00-04:002014-06-16T15:30:23-04:00Mark Stone Trio, Summer World Music Concert, Regina Carter Workshops<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I had a great week in NYC with my trio project. In addition to playing at the New School as part of the ISIM festival and at Somethin’ Jazz Club, we went into the studio to begin work on a new recording on the Jumbie Records label. I want to send a big shout out to Alan Grubner and Dan Piccolo for their awesome musicianship and for helping me to realize my musical vision.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/fef88d82f82d69d74103ed2e5dacf76f4b78871b/original/mst-in-nyc.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQ4MCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="480" width="640" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800772"><span class="aQJ">This Saturday</span></span> is officially “World Music Day”, an event now celebrated around the globe. To celebrate in Michigan, I have a series of events happening throughout the week. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800773"><span class="aQJ">On Wednesday</span></span> the Mark Stone Trio will be performing as part of the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=695457&k=1c3affd5ff7794f6ee1ed1f2dbc02b7e" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Lathrup Village Summer Concert Series</a> at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800774"><span class="aQJ">7pm</span></span>. Michele Ramo will join me on mandolin and violin while Dan Piccolo will join me on tabla, frame drum, and drum set for this free outdoor performance. Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800775"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span> my student groups will be presenting their <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=695458&k=8d4e2538e54e34a099b9e598da7c22b8" target="_blank" data-imported="1">summer world music concert at Oakland University</a>, performing music for the embaire xylophone and pan-round-de-neck steel drums. This concert is also free and will take place at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800776"><span class="aQJ">noon</span></span> in the Varner Courtyard outside of Varner Recital Hall. Finally, this weekend Regina Carter will be in residence at Oakland University together with the Oakland Faculty Jazz Quartet. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800777"><span class="aQJ">On Saturday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800778"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> we will offer <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=695459&k=5bd47f620c4dac7dab23538629332cd2" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Jazz Workshops </a>in Varner Hall from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152800779"><span class="aQJ">9am to 4pm</span></span>. The workshops will include two days of activities including combo rehearsals, listening classes, African xylophone sessions and more at the bargain rate of just $20.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you can celebrate World Music Day (Week) with me by attending one or more of these events.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697562014-05-25T20:00:00-04:002014-05-26T04:42:37-04:00Sarovar Festival, ISIM Festival, Somethin' Jazz NYC<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone is enjoying the start of summer. After the record-breaking winter here in Michigan we are lovin’ it :-)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This weekend, I will be hosting the 4<sup>th</sup> annual Sarovar Indo-American Festival at Oakland University. The festival kicks off with the incredible Trichur Brothers <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on Friday at 7pm</span></span> (who blew me away when I heard them two years ago in India) and continues through <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday</span></span>. For the complete festival schedule <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=680484&k=6dd4cee1b6a73cec5436eae21407d4a9" target="_blank" data-imported="1">click here</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then, during the first weekend of June, my new trio will be making its NYC debut with performances at the ISIM Festival and Somethin’ Jazz. Our performance at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=680485&k=0d17c87fc16ca10a909111ab2d53a539" target="_blank" data-imported="1">International Society for Improvised Music Festival</a> will take place on Friday, June 6<sup>th</sup> at 2pm, New School University - room 613. The theme of this year’s festival is cross-cultural improvisation, a perfect fit for my group. On Saturday, June 7<sup>th</sup> I will be performing at <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470994&l=680486&k=3306ecea67c94c93b1b677be7e06dbaa" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Somethin’ Jazz</a> with both Imaginary Homeland and my trio. Imaginary Homeland hits at 7pm, the Mark Stone Trio plays at 9pm.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you like to plan your world music fix in advance, I my complete summer schedule is posted on this site. Finally, I have posted a video below of my recent performance with the Carnatica Brothers and the legendary South Indian musician Dr. M Balamuralikrishna for everyone to enjoy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p></p><div class="video responsive"><div class="video-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZLWjAHa_9PQ" width="560" class="wrapped"></iframe></div></div>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697552014-04-24T20:00:00-04:002020-01-08T14:20:39-05:00Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival/ Green Fest/ Downriver Day of Percussion<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/ae449d70a576465e9551721016f65cd24f2dcfb0/original/cleveland-festival.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQyNSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="425" width="640" /></p>
<p><span>I absolutely love how music can transport you to another time or place. For the past two weeks I have been in India (even though the furthest I traveled from home was Cleveland.) I was transported to India through numerous rehearsals with my friends the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=660966&k=052dec1f2cbea680f1565d95d87b2153" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Carnatic Brothers</a> along with several concerts and workshops all culminating in a performance with the legendary singer, Dr. M Balamuralikrishna. It was a great couple weeks and my understanding of Carnatic music deepened considerably. I’m looking forward to actually traveling to India for more performances with these great musicians this November.</span></p>
<p><span>Now it’s time to return to my Michigan roots through performances this weekend with two of my favorite singer/songwriters, <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=660967&k=d44305488b346f96ef180ba937623143" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Joe Reilly</a> and Lesley-Anne Stone, along with the wonderful Michigan jazz artists Marion Hayden, Gayelynn McKinney, and Alison Radell. We will be performing together <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1854570437"><span class="aQJ">this Saturday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1854570438"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> in a group led by Joe at the Detroit Zoo’s <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=660968&k=cf032cfbc4e748ad2e608fe027d947f1" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Green Fest</a> – two set both days (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1854570439"><span class="aQJ">Noon and 2pm</span></span>).</span></p>
<p><span>Then next weekend, Saturday May 3<sup>rd</sup>, I am thrilled to be part of the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=660969&k=bb230a76b90c9dc1f686404ac6c225de" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Downriver Day of Percussion</a>. This all-day event will take place at Roosevelt High School (540 Eureka Rd., Wyandotte, MI 48192). Students from middle school through early college can <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=4470991&l=660970&k=09d4835bbb3bff2c680ecbbf75053f41" target="_blank" data-imported="1">register here</a> to participate in the event. Registration fee is $20.00 and includes an evening concert. I will be presenting an embaire xylophone clinic at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1854570441"><span class="aQJ">10:55am</span></span> and will be performing at the end of the day at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1854570442"><span class="aQJ">6:30pm</span></span>. Please spread the word to curious young percussionists!</span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697542014-02-28T19:00:00-05:002014-03-02T12:11:21-05:00March & April Events, 2014<p><span>I want to share with you some of the wonderful music events that I will be part of in the next couple of months. In March, I will be in residency at both the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and the University of Michigan – <span>Ann</span>Arbor. At the University of Wisconsin, I will be hosted by Alison Shaw and the UW Oshkosh Percussion Program for workshops on the East African embaire xylophone and a concert on the West African gyil xylophone. At the University of Michigan, my new trio will be hosted by Kwasi Ampene and the Center for World Performance Studies, presenting both classes and concerts. In <span>Ann</span>Arbor, the Mark Stone Trio will be performing at the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6724375&l=602265&k=0185ee3893151f302cfa85fede416b36" target="_blank" data-imported="1">University of Michigan Museum of Art on <span><span>March 13th</span></span></a> and the <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6724375&l=602266&k=8a99792779d03e3b853622a737cb197f" target="_blank" data-imported="1">Canterbury House on March 14<sup>th</sup></a>.</span></p>
<p><span>In April I will be hosting several incredible performances at Oakland University. During the first week of April, we will have the great Trinidadian jazz trumpeter and composer Etienne Charles in residence at OU. Etienne will perform on the annual <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6724375&l=602267&k=01df78ec39e9613c0a33e001fe9ad852" target="_blank" data-imported="1">world music concert on <span><span>April 4</span></span></a></span><sup><a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6724375&l=602268&k=2f6e145cebeb9472fb1de9ba07740a9c" target="_blank" data-imported="1">th</a></sup><span>and with the OU big band and pan-jazz ensemble on <span><span>April 5</span></span></span><sup>th</sup><span>. Later in April the virtuoso Indian musicians P. Ganesh and K.N. Shashikiran, known as the Carnatica Brothers, will be visiting our campus, culminating with a <a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6724375&l=602269&k=f0b70ae2e5503e164dc5eaec9f47b4c1" target="_blank" data-imported="1">performance on <span><span>April 19</span></span></a></span><sup><a href="http://listbabyqa.hostbaby.com/ln/?c=6724375&l=602270&k=3e3252acb19e8a222ef6c7af3bddb039" target="_blank" data-imported="1">th</a></sup><span>.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="/files/535063/etienne-charles-poster.jpg" data-imported="1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/1e6d28f0acaa6f3bd5d7756984a693fda40f1e0c/original/etienne-charles-poster.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDQxNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="414" width="640" /></a></span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697532014-01-05T19:00:00-05:002014-01-17T03:19:17-05:00January 2014 Events<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I enjoyed the Christmas break at home, spending lots of quality time with my little girl Ellery.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">The concerts at the end of last year with Bill Summers and our presentation at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention were fantastic. You can view the <a title="Mark Stone - 2014 PASIC Presentation" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX6s4x4eyYA&list=TLQ9uv55EEyFohzrer_xXa-w2i1xGekBD0" data-imported="1">full PASIC presentation here</a> or if you just want to watch part of it, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4tCvXwSeOE&list=TLQzSd4q7xbXu7MC0xt3QCEoIBwua2RacR" data-imported="1">here is our performance of Twalibamukwano</a>. Also, the <a href="http://prezi.com/6khmiuyoymzs/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share" data-imported="1">prezi I presented at PASIC is here</a> and excerpts of our concert with Bill can be found on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVpdLQH74wJcbDihOIxQJgQ" data-imported="1">my youtube page.</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">2014 is off to great start with Percussion Day at Oakland University this coming weekend and performances with Regina Carter and Biakuye the following weekend. Percussion Day is a free event hosted by Oakland University on Saturday, January 11 from 9am to 6pm. <a href="https://ebill.oakland.edu/C21178_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1376&SINGLESTORE=true" data-imported="1">Register here</a> and read all the details below. On Saturday, January 18<sup>th</sup> I will be performing with the <a href="http://www.oakland.edu/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=8258" data-imported="1">Oakland Jazz Quartet, the Oakland Chamber Orchestra, and Regina Carter at 8pm in Varner Recital Hall</a>. The concert will feature a new composition I just completed for gyil xylophone, jazz quartet, and chamber orchestra. The following Monday, January 20<sup>th</sup>, I’ll be celebrating Martin Luther King Day with my African percussion group, <a href="http://www.aadl.org/node/230754" data-imported="1">Biakuye, at the Ann Arbor Library</a>. This all ages show is free and features my good friend Sulley Imoro, an incredible dancer from Ghana.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/d5d9e6f74f34eb36f3f1f4104fb88cb6a6c36ad0/original/percussion-day-eblast-poster.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDExNDQiXQ%3D%3D.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="1144" width="640" /></span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697522013-11-03T19:00:00-05:002013-11-04T14:51:04-05:00November Events<p>I have two shows this week at Oakland University with the amazing Bill Summers! Tuesday's faculty concert features Bill with the Oakland Jazz Quartet playing bata and Latin Jazz. Friday's concert features Bill with the Oakland University student groups Akwaaba (African Drum Ensemble), Ngoma (African Xylophone Ensemble), and Pan-Jumbies (Steel Band). Both concerts take place at Oakland University in Varner Recital Hall at 8pm. $14 - general admission. $8 - students.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/13d6169522427d8b74d0f4415801b25828390c6b/original/bill-summers-eblast-fb.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDcyMSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="721" width="640" /></p>
<p>Later this month I will be giving a research presentation at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. I will be presenting the Embaire - Xylophone Music of Busoga, Uganda together with students from Oakland University. Our presentation takes place on November 14th at 2pm at the I<span>ndiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.</span> This will be the first embaire performance at a PASIC so if you are at the conference please come and check it out!</p>
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</div>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697512013-10-05T20:00:00-04:002013-10-06T16:31:28-04:00October Events<p>I’d like to give a big thank you to everyone who came out to support the debut performances of my new trio last month. For those who couldn’t make it out (or if you would like to hear it again) the entire concert at Oakland University was recorded and has been posted to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/mark-stone-15/sets/mark-stone-trio-live" data-imported="1">Sound Cloud</a>. Enjoy!</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fplaylists%2F11000488&color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>This month Jumbie Records will be releasing a new CD by the NYC-based world jazz group Imaginary Homeland, which I have played in for many years. We will be giving our CD release concert at Trumpets Jazz Club in Montclair, NJ on Sunday October 20<sup>th</sup> with sets at 7:30pm and 9:00pm. I’m really proud of this new CD. Friends in NY/NJ <a href="http://www.trumpetsjazz.com/10202013-dave-rogers-imaginary-homeland-cd-release-concert/" data-imported="1">come check it out</a>.</p>
<p>Finally, if you are interested in joining me for a trip to Ghana next summer, I have two informational meetings this week at Oakland University: Wednesday 10/9 at 8pm or Sunday 10/13 at 4pm. Both meetings take place in Varner Hall room 134. Earn 4 undergraduate credits in International Studies or 2 graduate Music credits. <a href="http://prezi.com/kltflhwhyzwm/ghana-trip-2014/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy" data-imported="1">Check out this Prezi</a> I made of the program with photos from our last trip!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/4ecdf40df25dc12296c2c433d2981df74fc40fe2/original/ghana-flyer-2014.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjQweDgyOSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="829" width="640" /></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697502013-09-07T20:00:00-04:002013-09-09T09:52:09-04:00September Events<p><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s been a great summer with lots of fun steel drum gigs and time spent with my beautiful family. I also taught my international studies class at Oakland University (Intro. to Africa) and in August was officially promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with Tenure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am happy to kick off the new school year with three exciting shows. On September 14<sup>th</sup> and 15<sup>th</sup> I will be debuting my new group, the Mark Stone Trio. We play at the Michigan Festival of Gourds on the 14<sup>th</sup> at 1pm with a workshop at 3pm. This is a very cool festival, which I also participated in last year. There are many artists on hand who make all kinds of things from gourds and proceeds support the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation. Then on the 15<sup>th</sup> the trio performs at Oakland University’s Varner Recital Hall at 4pm. </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/cc4a213fcc0d9152509cca20813b039d8476102a/original/ellery-and-dad-with-gourds.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjI1eDQxNiJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="416" width="625" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Inspired by my trip to India last November, the Mark Stone Trio uses a traditional Carnatic setup of a soloist with percussion and violin accompaniment. However, the group’s original music draws on a wide-range of compositional influences, including American jazz and African mbira/marimba music. In the trio, I will be joined by violinist Alan Grubner and percussionist Dan Piccolo, whose dynamic playing runs freely across musical boundaries.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The following Sunday, September 22<sup>nd </sup>at 4pm, the Southpaw Isle Steelband will be giving a special performance at Detroit’s International Institute with drummer Leonard King. The show will also feature a guest appearance by bassist Miles Brown. Rounding out the lineup are regular members of Southpaw, Miguel Gutierrez on percussion with Lesley-Anne Stone and myself on steel pans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/f403691db7c2439d5b2e81e1180e4f083bb6f417/original/mark-stone-trio-pc.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjI1eDk2MSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="961" width="625" /></span></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697492013-06-08T20:00:00-04:002013-06-09T16:53:53-04:00Drummers' Nite Out<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/4c4334779097c9e583c3d5397c5f8738ca0a3c5c/original/dno-fathers-day-show-flyer-copy.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjI1eDk2NSJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="965" width="625" /></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697482013-03-31T20:00:00-04:002022-04-29T01:08:25-04:00April Events<p><span style="font-size: medium;">We will be performing with steel drum virtuosos Andy Narell and Liam Teague on the same weekend, April 12th to 15th. This is going to be an unbelievable weekend of steel pan music and everyone is very psyched to work with these two panmasters. On Friday, April 12th Liam Teague will be performing with Oakland University's Pan-Jumbies on the campus of OU in Varner Recital Hall, with shows at 10am and 8pm. Then on Saturday, April 13th the Southpaw Isle Steelband will be performing a 7pm show in Waterford at Community Presbyterian Church. And for the grand finale on Monday, April 15th. Oakland University's Pan-Jazz will be performing with Andy Narell, calypsonian Lord Relator, the Steelheads Steel Orchestra, and the MSU Jazz Orchestra on the campus of Michigan State University, concert to take place at 7:30pm at the MSU Community Music School. I hope you can make it to one or more of these great shows.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for supporting steel pan music in Michigan!</span></p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/dc3c00a9c29c265ec560e8c596b275f93e137e72/original/teague-poster.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjAweDkyNyJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="927" width="600" /></p>
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</div>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educatortag:markstonepercussion.com,2005:Post/60697472012-12-31T19:00:00-05:002012-12-22T07:42:58-05:00January Events<p>Happy New Year!</p>
<p>Wishing everyone a wonderful 2013. I am starting out the year with a performance by Imaginary Homeland at Somethin' Jazz in New York City followed by our annual Percussion Day at Oakland University. This year's percussion day features our OU percussion faculty along with guest artist Miguel Gutierrez and an evening concert with Southpaw Isle.</p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/b86140ee2e2a477aacdec41749aebc3a9901c481/original/percussion-day.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjI1eDQwNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Percussion Day" height="404" width="625" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/395339/9481cb8281bfa7a2f79680082ac429cf97d38c30/original/southpaw-isle-percssion-day.jpg/!!/b%3AWyJyZXNpemU6NjI1eDQwNCJd.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Southpaw Isle" height="404" width="625" /></p>Mark Stone - percussionist, composer, educator