Canton Symphony Orchestra to Launch ConverZations with Elec Simon Lecture, 9/21

CANTON, OHIO (September 10, 2015) - The Canton Symphony Orchestra's free ConverZations lecture series begins its new season on Monday September 21 at 12:00p.m. as Elec Simon presents "Percussion as Tools for Healing". ConverZations are free public discussions featuring a variety of musicians and music-lovers alike. The series, sponsored by T. K. and Faye A. Heston, takes place at noon on the second Monday of every month from October 2015 to April 2016 in the Zimmermann Symphony Center (The Z), 2331 17th St. NW, Canton. The September kickoff lecture is on the third Monday of September.

Elec Simon, a self-taught musician and tap dancer, has been influencing musicians of every age for most of his life. In 2005, he joined the cast of the critically acclaimed Broadway production of STOMP and also performed in Tap Extravaganza in New York City. He is the co-founder of Heartbeat Afrika, an arts education company fusing traditional African music with American swing. Simon regularly hosts drum circles at many Ohio State Prisons and at the Indian River Juvenile Facility, connecting the inmates and youth in positive ways through music hoping to inspire them toward choices for a better future. As a teaching artist with ArtsinStark's SmArts program, Simon teaches percussion and hosts anti-bullying assemblies in schools throughout Stark County.

For the ConverZations discussion, Simon will discuss how he uses music and percussion as "bait" to get his messages across about bullying and to bring people of all races together in state prisons and juvenile centers. Throughout the program, audience members will be invited to play along with Simon to demonstrate how his programs bring unity.
ConverZations attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch, and the orchestra provides a light dessert. For more information on upcoming ConverZations lectures and other events run by the Canton Symphony Orchestra, visit www.cantonsymphony.org/converzations.

Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain residents of Stark County and beyond. The orchestra performs classical, holiday, casual, and a variety of educational programs in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, adjacent to the Zimmermann Symphony Center at 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio, as well as other venues in Stark County. For more information, please visit www.cantonsymphony.org or call (330)452-2094. Administrative offices are located at the Zimmermann Symphony Center 2331 17th Street NW, Canton OH 44708.