BROOKINGS – Woodbine Productions and the South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts will host international performing and recording ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Tickets range from $20 to $40 and are available at www.woodbineproductions.com.
The group brings its distinct a cappella harmonies and smooth rhythms to Brookings, which is the final site for its U.S. tour.
“We are so thrilled to bring this ensemble to Brookings,” said David Reynolds, director of the School of Performing Arts. “We have been working to get them here for nearly 10 years. For this group to perform for our community and interact with our students and faculty is an exceptional gift. They are the best of the best.”
For more than 50 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award winner has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter. With a deep respect for cultural and personal history, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is ever-evolving with an eye toward its long musical legacy.
Since the world discovered the group’s powerful a cappella vocals from Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album, the original members have welcomed a younger generation in their mission, passing along the tradition of storytelling and spreading a message of peace, love and harmony to millions of people. Now led by the four sons of group founder Joseph Shabalala, after joining the group almost 25 years ago, an infusion of youthful energy and the promise of a bright future has a firm grip within the group.
Nelson Mandela anointed the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world,” a designation the members carry with the highest honor. In 2017, the group released two albums that were nominated for Grammy Awards, a first for a world music group. On “Songs of Peace & Love for Kids & Parents Around the World,” Ladysmith Black Mambazo shares an uplifting message with audiences of all ages through the music and the stories behind the songs.
Their second album of 2017, “Shaka Zulu Revisited,” won the Best World Music Album Award.
While Woodbine Productions has been bringing world renowned artists to Brookings for 13 years, the spring 2019 performances by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the upcoming Postmodern Jukebox, which will be April 2, are the first to offer online ticketing and “print-at-home” tickets. For questions about tickets or more information, contact the SDSU School of Performing Arts at 688-5188.
A project of the SDSU Foundation, Woodbine Productions is the brainchild and gift from a donor who wants residents of Brookings to have the opportunity to enjoy exceptional music and entertainment while also supporting scholarships in music at SDSU.
