KINGSTON, R.I. – October 20, 2006 – Musicians Kim and Reggie Harris, Magpie, and Sonny Ochs will speak and perform at the University of Rhode Island on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Edwards Auditorium.

Their visit is part of a semester-long series for the URI Honors Colloquium, Songs of Social Justice: The Rhetoric of Music, which explores music as a means of expression, persuasion, and mobilization.

The musicians will explore the role that music has played from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement.

The Harrises are New York-based touring performers who use their music as a way to teach social change. Both were born in Philadelphia, a city rich in musical and cultural heritage. They met at a summer camp in 1974 and began touring in 1980, ultimately releasing five CDs. They have become known as exceptional performers who can entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds, distinguishing themselves as artists of integrity who show respect for their craft by working to expand their skills and knowledge base.

Magpie — husband and wife team Greg Artzner, and Terry Leonino — are musically vocal about many issues including respect of the earth, social change and racism. Leonino and Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in 1973. Leonino’s powerful, versatile, bluesy voice pairs with Artzner’s high baritone voice and unique approach on the guitar to create a unique style that can not be classified into one genre.

Sonny, sister of the late, legendary Phil Ochs, has hosted a song night in her brother’s memory since 1983. The night has continued yearly, gathering various folk performers including Magpie and Kim and Reggie Harris to sing Phil’s distinctly political songs as well as their own songs.

Visit www.uri.edu/hc for the colloquium schedule and directions. For more information, contact the URI Honors Center at 401-874-2303 or debg@uri.edu.

Major sponsors for the series are The Providence Journal, the URI Division of University Advancement, the URI Honors Program, the URI Office of the President and the URI Office of the Provost.