AMNH Celebrates Black History Month with Delfeayo Marsalis, Daryl 'DMC' McDaniels and YPC Today

Performers from the Young People's Chorus of New York City sing two world premiere works and three special arrangements composed by NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis to celebrate Black History Month with Give Your Voice: Honor Black History at the American Museum of Natural History. One of the world premieres, "Dream on Robben," was inspired by the life of Nelson Mandela. The group will be joined onstage by hip-hop legend Darryl "DMC" McDaniels for the second world premiere, "Melting Pot."

It all takes place today, February 8, 2014 in the LeFrak Theater, American Museum of Natural History, first floor.

Hosted by television journalist and fashion model Gail O'Neill, the Museum's celebration features artists whose unique voices are helping to define some of this country's most dynamic cultural expressions: Camille A. Brown & Dancers; composer-pianist Samora Abayomi Pinderhughes; the award-winning Young People's Chorus of New York City with founder and artistic director Francisco J. Núñez, The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys Traditional Jass Band; and returning favorites Delfeayo Marsalis with special guest Darryl "DMC" McDaniels.

The festivities will also include dance workshops rooted in African/African-American traditions and mancala game-playing sessions.

Give Your Voice: Honor Black History is co-presented by Community Works and New Heritage Theatre Group.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Saturday, February 8

3 pm: Samora Abayomi Pinderhughes and Ensemble perform "Transformations Suite"

4 pm: Delfeayo Marsalis Sextet and DMC perform with Young People's Chorus of NYC

5 pm: New Orleans Swamp Donkeys Traditional Jass Band concludes with a New Orleans-style parade