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Augsburg JIVE to perform at benefit for our Somali neighbors

Robert Stacke '71 conducts Augsburg College JIVE.
Robert Stacke ’71 conducts Augsburg College JIVE.

Augsburg College JIVE will perform January 24 at the Cedar Cultural Center to benefit victims and families of the New Year’s Day fire on Cedar Avenue. The fire, which claimed the lives of three residents who lived in the apartments above 516 Cedar Ave. S., destroyed the Otanga Grocery Store and displaced tenants of 10 residential units.

“Augsburg has a very long history of working with our neighborhood. We are honored to partner with our neighbors and to support our friends who have been  impacted by this tragedy,” said Mary Laurel True, director of community engagement for the College’s Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning.

The benefit, a collaboration between Augsburg College, The Cedar, and KFAI radio, will feature musicians who represent the cultural past and present of the West Bank neighborhood. Entertainers include: Spider John Koerner, The Brass Messengers, Martin Devaney, Phil Heywood, Jon Rodine, Southside Desire, DJ Go Getta with SYAV (Somali Youth Against Violence). Continue reading “Augsburg JIVE to perform at benefit for our Somali neighbors”

Jazz ensemble performs at local gala

jazz_ensembleAs evidence of the College’s commitment to connecting with the community, The Augsburg Jazz Instrumental Vocal Ensemble (Jive), under the direction of Bob Stacke, performed for the annual African Development Center’s gala at the Landmark Center in St. Paul on May 20. The Augsburg musicians played five Somali songs with Rahma Ruuhl, a local Somali vocalist. The arrangements were done by alumni Steve Herzog and were a blending of Somali contemporary music and American Jazz.