By SALINA POST
Salina Arts & Humanities has announced the residency of a visionary hip-hop duo from Denver that's coming up later this month.
The Reminders are scheduled to work with students in Salina area schools on Feb. 23-25, thanks to Salina Arts & Humanities' Arts Infusion Program.
Additionally, a community performance by the duo is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Watson Room of the Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue. The performance is open to the public at no charge.
Those attending must follow the Stiefel Theatre's COVID-19 policy, available online at here.
Performer information courtesy Salina Arts & Humanities
The group consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee and vocalist Aja Black. Big Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, displaying his street-smart credibility in his lyrics and cool demeanor. Aja Black beautifully complements him in her confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings.
The Reminders' upcoming Salina performance will showcase their visionary music infused with roots and soul. The duo seamlessly blends sharp rhymes and soulful vocals with reggae-tinged hip-hop beats to highlight relevant and inspiring messages of unity and togetherness.
In their residency, Samir and Black will introduce students to the origins, evolution, and contemporary expression of hip-hop music and informal sessions in which the artists and students participate in telling personal stories using prompts. These sessions with curricular connections in Drama, Movement, and music allow students to explore creative self-expression.
The Reminders are the 2021-2022 Sharon Benson Visiting Artist, a teaching artist residency provided through the Arts Infusion
program designated to provide educational programs and content that reflects cultural diversity while connecting the arts to new and established audiences in relevant ways.