This percussion-focused jam features young performers from VSA Michigan’s artsJAM! Detroit Percussion Ensemble. Exciting and colorful traditional rhythms mix it up with today’s pulsing beats as versatile performers play a variety of instruments and dance to the music of their homelands.

A Closer Look—About the Performers
The artsJAM Percussion Ensemble is made up of 20 young people from the Detroit metro area attending the VSA Michigan—artsJAM Gallery and Studio Program, which for youth with learning disabilities, emotional and cognitive disabilities, and autism, provides an opportunity to experience the arts while building life and vocational skills.  Baba Kevin Collins, a percussionist and recording and teaching artist, has worked with VSA Michigan for more than 15 years, giving back to the youth of Michigan through music participation and creation.  A nationally respected musician in genres ranging from African, Cuban, and Latin drumming to jazz, blues, and big band, Collins is also the proprietor of K.C. Productions.

The group Hine-So that was originally scheduled to perform on this day is no longer able to attend.  Please call the box office at 202-633-8700 if you purchased tickets and would like to cancel them due to this change.

About the 2010 International VSA Festival
This performance is presented as part of the 2010 International VSA Festival.  From June 6–12, 2010, VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, will bring together artists, educators, researchers, and policy makers with disabilities from around the world for a multicultural celebration of the arts and education. The Festival will feature visual, performing, literary, media artists, and a guest list that includes more than 2,000 participants from all corners of the globe.

For more information about the Festival, please click here.