Southpaw Isle Steel Band Set for OU's Percussion Day in MI Today

The sound of the islands will be heard on the campus of Oakland University starting at 8 p.m. today, Jan. 26, when the Southpaw Isle Steel Band performs in Varner Recital Hall. Band members Mark Stone, Lesley-Anne Stone, Issa Sall and Miguel Gutierrez will present original compositions and arrangements for steel drums.

The ensemble is rooted in Caribbean pan tradition but continually stretches the steel band sound. Southpaw Isle Steel Band's repertoire is shaped by a wide range of musical traditions, including American jazz, Brazilian samba and Trinidadian calypso. To learn more about the group and hear them play, visit markstonepercussion.com and select Southpaw Isle Steel Band under the Performing Groups menu.

Earlier on Jan. 26, the OU music program will host Percussion Day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. All students junior high through adult are invited to attend free of charge. A wide variety of workshops will be offered by OU percussion faculty and guests, including Miguel Gutierrez and Sandy Mabery. Information and registration is online at oakland.edu/percussionday.

The Southpaw Isle Steel Band has presented numerous workshops, assemblies and concerts. Tickets for its Jan. 26 concert are $14 for general admission and $8 for students. They can be purchased ahead of time with no service fee at oakland.edu/tickets.

Varner Recital Hall is surrounded by ample free parking. For interactive and printable maps of the Oakland University campus, visit oakland.edu/map. For more information about the upcoming performance, visit oakland.edu/mtd or call (248) 370-2030.