KINGSTON, R.I. –January 31,2008–The University of Rhode Island Great Performances brings another exotic performance to Rhode Island – Shamou, the Legendary Persian Percussionist. The performance will be held Friday, February 8 in URI Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, in conjunction with the URI Jazz and World Music Festival, Tickets are $15 General, $12 Seniors and $5 Students and maybe be obtained by calling 401-874-2627.

Based presently in Maine, Shamou’s drumming career began at an early age in his native Iran. He began his formal music training in Tehran, studied with teachers from the Royal College of Music in London and completed his training at Berklee College in Boston. He has collaborated with many internationally renowned dance companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Mark Morris, and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Companies and the Bates College Department of Dance. Because of his broad knowledge of multiple drumming traditions his work defines what may become a fresh distinctly integrated tradition. For this performance, he will be joined by two musicians, Annegret Baier and Barbara Truex.

Experience this wonderful potpourri of sound – almost surreal in its timbres. Sponsored, in part, by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the New England Foundations for the Arts, this is an event not to be missed filled with exquisite sounds and captivating rhythmic variety.