Andes Manta Folk Group Feb. 3

By Jessica Milhoan
The Distinguished Performance Series presents Andes Manta on Friday, Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. in the College Activities Center. The performers of Andes Manta, four brothers from Ecuador, attempt to forge a cultural understanding between the peoples of their homeland and North America by presenting a festival of Incan culture featuring over 35 traditional instruments, such as the panpipe.

These brothers learned their traditional folk music as it has been learned for thousands of years, passed from father to son, brother to brother. In their performance the musicians explain and demonstrate each instrument, and proceed to captivate the audience with a virtuoso performance. The performers have dazzled audiences with their music in places such as Carnegie Hall and the Smithsonian Institution.

Andes Manta will also present a workshop for making panpipes at the Parkersburg Art Center on Feb. 4. For more information on this workshop, please call 485-3859.

The cost for admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Students may purchase advance tickets for themselves and a guest for $2 each in the Business Office.

The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Academic Affairs, Student Activities, and Social Justice Program all provided financial assistance and funding for this performance. For tickets by mail, call (304) 424-8223, e-mail tammy.harper@mail.wvu.edu or write Performing Arts Tickets, 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV 26104. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to speak with someone at the time of ticket purchase or call 424-8337 TTD for accommodations.