Belo
(NORTH ADAMS, Mass.) – Haitian guitarist and singer BélO brings his high energy mix of jazz, worldbeat, rock, reggae and Afro-Haitian traditional rhythm known as Ragganga to MCLA’s Church Street Center on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at 8 p.m. as part of the MCLA Presents! performance series.
Born in Haiti in 1979 as Jean Bélony Murat, BélO is an author, composer, guitarist and singer, the winner of numerous awards, including the Radio France International Discoveries and Itinerant Ambassador of Haitian Music awards, and the Sacem Caribbean Award for his track, “Ti Jean,” a call to send children to school to prevent them from falling into the trap of violence.
BélO is one of UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassadors in Haiti. Singing in his native language of Haitian Creole, BélO is treasured by Haitians because his songs explain and reflect the problems the country faces. According to Emily Troutman of the Huffington Post, “BélO has captured Bob Marley’s audience, Tracy Chapman’s message and Jack Johnson’s laid-back beach vibe.”
BélO and his band will meet with MCLA students in and out of the classroom, according to Jonathan Secor, director of special programs at MCLA. Hailed as Haiti’s musical ambassador to the world, the singer-songwriter will spend time working with students, talking about life in Haiti and where the influences of his music originate.
The concert will take place in the Church Street Center with two student openers, a dance performance by NEXXUS, MCLA’s step team, and a song cycle by Jessica Jean-Charles ’13.
Tickets to BélO are $10 for general admission. Tickets for MCLA alumni are $8, $5 for staff and faculty, and members and students are free. Tickets may be reserved by calling MCLA Presents! at (413) 662-5204. For more information, (413) 664-8718, or go to MCLA Presents!
