On Friday, February 27th at 8 pm, the Guest Artist Series presents LEON BATES, piano, in Roberts Hall, Marshall Auditorium. His concert "African-American Originals" features works by Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake, Nathaniel Dett, Duke and Mercer Ellington, George Walker, Leslie Adams and James P. Johnson - well-known musical greats of the 20th Century - in celebration of Black History month.  Tickets are $15 (Gen), $12 (Sr), $8 (Students), $5 (7-17), and are free to the bi-college community.

"An artist of powerful impact." As one of America's leading pianists, Leon Bates has earned for himself a place on the international concert circuit. His performance schedule includes dates across the United States, in Canada, Italy, France, Austria, Ireland, England as well as Africa. He is invited to perform on the major concert stages around the world and audiences and critics find his musical spirit to possess all the elements of greatness. Whether in recital or as a soloist with orchestra, his praises are enumerated in many different languages – but they are all in agreement on one point: Leon Bates is a major artist and one of America's best.

This is the first featured “American Roots” performer on 2008-09 Guest Artist Series that will later include pianist Ben Pasternack, commentator Joseph Horowitz, pianist Althea Waites, and the Philadelphia Classical Symphony.  This concert is sponsored by the Guest Artist Series, the Distinguished Visitors' Office, and the John B. Hurford ’60 Humanities Center.

Please note that due to illness, Steven Mayer will not be able to perform his"Rag to Riches" program.