What a night of music!
American cellist-songwriter Okorie “OkCello” Johnson brought down the house Nov. 12 with his unique blend of music and artistry that integrates cello performance, live-sound-looping, improvisation, and storytelling -- all culminating in original compositions that allow classical to collide with jazz, EDM, reggae and funk.
The Atlanta-based OkCello is inspired by the exploration of African diasporic melodies and narratives and their intersection with people’s perceptions and assumptions about the classical and European nature of the cello. His passionate work with improvisation attempts to embody the phenomenon of wordless prayer.
Inside the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas, OkCello was joined by members of the Dover High School Orchestra and the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Children’s Chorus to perform a special collaborative piece.
OkCello also visited four local schools during his stop in the area.
Support for the educational workshop and outreach came from the Dover Exchange Club and from individual contributions to the Performing Arts Center’s Education Fund. To learn more about the Education Fund or to make a donation to support these opportunities, visit the campus educational outreach page.
The Performing Arts Center’s 2022-2023 season is sponsored by the Tuscarawas County Community Foundation.
Photos courtesy Fish Photography of Dover, Ohio.