FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

January 24, 2008

WORLD MUSIC GROUP LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO TO PERFORM AT GRINNELL COLLEGE

World renowned Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform on Sat., Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. in Herrick Chapel on the Grinnell College campus.

The South African touring group, known as "a cultural force to be reckoned with," has garnered accolades worldwide for their expansive repertoire, from Christian gospel to native music traditions. The group’s hallmark is their use of traditional music developed in the mines of South Africa where black workers entertained themselves during long work hours by singing songs.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo has preserved that tradition in recorded film soundtracks for several Academy Award and Grammy-nominated productions and with numerous artists around the world. The group will release a new recording just prior to its Grinnell performance that is a tribute to Shaka Zulu, an iconic warrior and the first king of the Zulu nation.

Tickets are required for this free public performance and may be obtained at the Bucksbaum Center box office, beginning Tues., Feb. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. For Grinnell community members, a limited number of tickets may also be obtained at the Pioneer Bookshop beginning Feb. 5.

The Ladysmith Black Mambazo performance is sponsored by the Grinnell College Public Events Committee. Herrick Chapel is located at the intersection of 7th Ave. and Park St. on the Grinnell College campus. For ticket questions, call 641-269-4444 or go to http://web.grinnell.edu/Theatre/facilities/box_office.html.

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