OXFORD,
Miss. – More than 40 musicians and dancers from the nation’s top
historically black colleges and university marching bands are slated to
bring the marching band tradition to the Gertrude C. Ford Center for
the Performing Arts on Monday (Jan. 26).
“DRUMLine Live,”
inspired by the 2002 film “Drumline,” is a theatrical production that
brings rousing and rhythmic sounds and infectious enthusiasm to the
concert stage for one night only. Tickets are $25 for general admission
seating, with discounts available University of Mississippi students,
faculty, staff and retirees.
All tickets are available by
calling the UM Box Office at 662-915-7411 or by visiting the Box Office
in the Ole Miss Student Union from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the Ford Center
Box Office from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Tickets can
also be purchased online.
“DRUMLine Live” showcases the creativity and athleticism of musicians and performers in much greater detail than the movie, said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director.
“Nothing compares to hearing a band live or seeing their amazing choreography firsthand,” Easterbrook said. “‘DRUMLine Live’ is a musical revue with all the stage and excitement of historically bBlack colleges and universities’ halftime performances. We are thrilled and excited to welcome the national tour of DRUMLine Live to our stage.”
The tradition of showstopping marching began more than 50 years ago and has grown into a “must-see” halftime performance at many historically black colleges and universities. The style features high stepping, energetic dance routines and repertoire that ranges from classical to Top 40 and typically ends with a drumline competition where each band’s percussion section battles for dominance.
In addition to the drumline face off, musical numbers in “DRUMLine Live” include James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and surprise selections from today’s top pop and R&B artists.
Most “DRUMLine Live” cast members are recent graduates of top HBCUs, including
Florida A&M University, Tennessee State University, Southern University, Miles College, South Carolina State University, Winston-Salem State University, Morris Brown College and Norfolk State University.
For a complete list of events at the Ford Center, go to http://www.olemiss.edu/fordcenter/ . For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7411.