Tribute's Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Sounds to Debut at Miller Outdoor...

Tribute's Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Sounds to Debut at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Tribute Brings MECA and Dallas Black Dance Theatre Together Again
HOUSTON--(Business Wire)--
Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA)
presents Tribute, an evening of unforgettable performances featuring a
cultural mix of African, Cuban and Mexican influences as well as a
blend of classical and contemporary styles in both music and dance.

Following the success of 30/30, which celebrated 30 years of
expanding arts opportunities for people of color, MECA and the Dallas
Black Dance Theatre rejoin forces at the Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Tribute will feature an original musical score titled Renacimiento
de un Mariachi by world-renowned jazz pianist and composer Elio
Villafranca. Utilizing his expertise in several music genres,
Villafranca combines Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms and traditional
Mexican mariachi music to showcase the talent of MECA's premier music
ensemble, Mariachi MECA. The ensemble features MECA musicians
including students, teachers, faculty and guests.

Villafranca's composition will be accompanied by new choreography
by MECA Associate Director of Development and former Dallas Black
Theatre dancer G. Armando Silva. The dance will be performed by the
Dallas Black Dance Theatre and MECA Ballet Folklorico.

Tribute is the culmination of two one-week residencies with Dallas
Black Dance Theatre and Elio Villafranca. Both residencies are open to
the public. For more information or class schedules contact Armando
Silva at 713-802-9370.

Tribute will take place at Miller Outdoor Theatre on Friday, May
30, 2008 at 8 p.m. Admission to the event is free. For additional
information on this and other 2008 performances please visit
www.meca-houston.org.

Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts
(MECA)
Armando Silva, 713-802-9370
armando.silva@meca-houston.org

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