The Evening Program

7:30-9 p.m.
Olin Arts  Center Concert Hall

Dance performance by W. Barry Dean and Bates students
Choreography by W.  Barry Dean

Student dancers, under the direction of hip-hop choreographer W. Barry Dean, will perform an original piece commissioned for the MLK Jr. observation. A resident of Lewiston, Dean comes from Chicago and attended the University of Southern Maine. He teaches hip-hop at Bates and with Elizabeth Hansen’s Dance Studio in Lewiston.

Naturally Seven A Cappella Concert

A cappella singing and recording artists Naturally Seven performed  at Bates in October to a full house and were requested to make this return visit. Group members are Roger Thomas, Marcus Davis, Dwight Stewart, Garfield Buckley, Rod Eldridge, Warren Thomas and Jamal Reed.

Hailed by critics as “deep, intense and brilliant,” this Gospel and R&B sensation debuted in New York nearly two years ago. They delivered a stunning performance at the A Capella Harmony Sweepstakes at Symphony Space, winning the title and a spot in the prestigious national competition in San Francisco. The ensemble went on to become Harmony Sweepstakes National Champions, besting top a capella groups with a performance one reviewer described as “the best surprise of the evening. Seven gracious young men stealing the show and the hearts of the audience with an astonishing harmonic banquet.” The group also took the “Best Arrangement” title for their lush revival of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” showcasting their “gorgeous textures, brilliant arranging and inspired, soulful delivery.”