Embassy Highlights

Young Romanians "Slammed" by New York A Capella Group

UNIVERSES' Gamal Abdel Chasten performs in Bucharest. Feb. 14, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu/Public Diplomacy Office)

February 16, 2008

"Here, out of the mouths and clapping hands and dancing feet of five multitalented performers known collectively as Universes, comes the poetry of the city, minted in the urban furnace where the flint of real life strikes the sparks of creation from concrete pavement and steel tracks." -New York Times

From the capital city to the Black Sea coast, UNIVERSES "slammed" audiences with their skillful and powerful performances. The group -- a four-person hip-hop fusion ensemble from New York City -- draws on slam poetry, hip hop, R&B, soul, gospel, jazz and Spanish bolero to create a unique performance. In Bucharest, Ploiesti and Constanta from February 13-15, UNIVERSES performed a cappella for and with Romanian students from three art high schools in addition to their public performances.

Under the guidance of UNIVERSES’ four members, enthusiast students tried their hand (and throats and feet) at creating their own musical combinations of voices and rhythm. In Ploiesti, students entertained the US group with a unique program of Romanian traditional songs and virtuosity - the young Americans were enchanted and impressed. At the George Enescu Music High School in Bucharest, the program ended in a lively jam session between students and the American musicians.

Related info:
• American Cultural Center Events: Performances by spoken-word and music ensemble Universes

The Universes performing at the George Enescu High School. February 14, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu/Public Diplomacy Office)	The audience enjoying Universes' performance. February 14, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu/Public Diplomacy Office)
The Universes performing at Green Hours Jazz Club. February 14, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu/Public Diplomacy Office)	The audience enjoying Universes' performance at Green Hours Jazz Club. February 14, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu/Public Diplomacy Office)

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