Dancing group to perform

African Music and Dance Ensemble Tomorrow, 8 p.m. Bellefield Hall Auditorium Free with… African Music and Dance Ensemble Tomorrow, 8 p.m. Bellefield Hall Auditorium Free with students ID

Pitt’s African Music and Dance Ensemble will celebrate spring with song and steps from countries across Africa tomorrow evening.

Originally known as the Pitt African Ensemble, the group got its start in 1983 under the direction of Ghanaian ethnomusicologist Willie O. Anku. While the group was formerly just a drumming ensemble, it now specializes in African artistic expression through music and dance.

Under the direction of J.S. Kofi Gbolonyo, the ensemble has prepared musical selections from west and central Africa. Pieces performed come from countries including Ghana, Togo, Benin and Congo. Originally from Ghana, ensemble director Gbolonyo has led scholarly presentations, workshops and performances at international conferences in Taiwan, West Africa, Germany and Canada.

Four guest groups will help the Dance Ensemble deliver their culture-rich performance on Saturday. Carribean Vibes Steelband, Miller Academy African Ensemble, Franklin Regional High School Choral Ensemble and the Ghanaian Xylophone Ensemble team up with the Pitt group for its spring show.

The ensemble’s spring concert is cosponsored by the Africana Studies Department, along with the University Center for International Studies and the African Students Organization.