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Bobby McFerrin and Gold Company take Miller stage

Feb. 4, 2005

KALAMAZOO--Ten-time Grammy Award-winner Bobby McFerrin and Western Michigan University's internationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble Gold Company team for two memorable performances Saturday, Feb. 12, at Miller Auditorium. Concerts are at 2 and 8 p.m., and tickets range from $15 to $30.

McFerrin is one of the world's best-known vocal innovators and improvisers, a world-renowned classical conductor, the creator of one of the most popular songs of the late 20th century and a passionate spokesman for music education.

Using a four-octave range and a vast array of vocal techniques, McFerrin combines jazz, folk and a multitude of world music influences--choral, a cappella and classical music--with his own ingredients. His recordings have sold more than 20 million copies, and his collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Chick Corea, the Vienna Philharmonic and Herbie Hancock have established him as an ambassador of both the classical and jazz worlds.

Gold Company, directed by Dr. Steve Zegree, is one of the most successful and prestigious collegiate vocal jazz programs in the world. The ensembles perform a wide variety of repertoire, which covers all styles in the contemporary vocal idiom. Gold Company combines the fundamental musical elements from the traditional choral style with stylistic characteristics from the jazz vernacular with an emphasis on improvisation and swing.

Tickets are available by calling (269) 387-2300 or toll-free (800) 228-9858, online at <www.millerauditorium.com>, or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or the Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo.

Bobby McFerrin and Gold Company at Miller Auditorium is sponsored by WQLR and WKZO AM 590.

Media contact: Tracey Lawie, 269 387-2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu

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