Silkroad artist and percussionist Shane Shanahan returns to Holy Cross with his long-time mentor, percussion master Glen Velez, exploring the universal link between rhythm and spirituality. A four-time Grammy Award winner, Velez is regarded as a leading figure in the modern frame drum movement. Velez’s virtuosic combinations of hand movements, finger techniques, along with his original compositional style, which incorporates stepping, drum language and Central Asian Overtone singing (split-tone singing), has undoubtedly opened new possibilities for musicians around the globe. Shanahan and Velez are joined by percussionist Yousif Sheronick, rhythm vocalist Loire Cotler and Raman Kalyan, a leading flautist in the Indian Carnatic style, in an hour-long presentation with conversation and excerpts from Velez’s 1989 composition “Doctrine of Signatures,” a seminal work that inspired John Cage to compose for Velez.

HANDANCE WORKSHOP with Glen Velez and guests immediately following (60 minutes)
Open to percussionists of all levels. Free registration with ticket purchase; space is limited.