Angélique Kidjo Appears At The Ordway 1/21

Bringing her contagious world pop sound to the stage, international recording star Angélique Kidjo performs works from her latest Grammy Award-nominated album, "Oyo" live at the Ordway on January 21 as part of the 2010-2011 Target World Music Series.

"We are overjoyed to welcome Angélique Kidjo back to the Ordway stage," states Patricia A. Mitchell, Ordway's president and ceo. "Her energetic performance and creative energy produce a thrilling evening of music; what an extraordinary way to kick off 2011."

Kidjo's latest album, "Oyo" is a testament to her roots and speaks to the path she's taken in her career. Tracks on "Oyo" embrace famous songs from rhythm & blues, soul music, jazz and Beninese influences as well as four of Kidjo's original works. The album features a number of talented guest artists including John Legend, Bono, Roy Hargrove and Dianne Reeves. "Oyo" is truly a diverse collection of songs-blending the past and the present-reflecting the music that inspired Kidjo growing up.

Kidjo grew up with a love for performance, having first appeared on stage at the age of six. Kidjo continues to expertly blend her Afro-fusion beats into dynamic and uplifting musical numbers. Her art roves across boundaries, genres and ethnicities, finding the connections that link musical forms from every part of the world, while still bonding closely with her own personal traditions. Having grown up in the West African state of Benin, Kidjo has transferred her distinctive work in the arts to that of philanthropy by promoting education for girls in Africa through her foundation, Batonga, and as a UNICEF Goodwill ambassador.

In the fall of 2010, the Ordway launched a new Teen Media program in conjunction with Kidjo's upcoming performance. Students in the mass media and democracy course at Perpich Center for Arts Education High School explored global social justice issues inspired by UNICEF and the work of musician and activist Kidjo. This 11-week residency focused on media production, imagery and social justice issues and joined classroom teacher and teaching artist in a unique partnership to engage students in integrated learning. The two classrooms of nearly 30 students each were led through the process by their teacher, Sun Yung Shin and media artist and educator, Sherine Crooms to create collaborative public service announcements surrounding social justice issues of their choosing. Prior to developing their own work, students explored media messaging and analyzed domestic and international advertisements and PSAs. Students will present their work to their peers and attend Kidjo's school performance.

Kidjo's school performance happens on 10:30 a.m. on January 20. More than 1,800 students and teachers from 44 schools around the metro area and greater Minnesota will experience Kidjo's energetic singing through this concert in Ordway's Performing Arts Classroom series.

Prior to Kidjo's public concert, the Ordway will host an Ordway Extra program in the Ordway's Marzitelli Foyer at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about these events, visit ordway.org/events.

Kidjo is excited to return to Minnesota and to the Ordway stage. She last performed at the Ordway in 2008.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and McKnight stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.

Performance and Ticket Information
Angélique Kidjo
Friday, January 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Ordway's Music Theater

Tickets start at $21 including fees.

Box Office: 651.224.4222
Groups: 651.282.3111
ordway.org

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