TROY – Independent artist Yewande will kick off Troy University’s Black History Month celebration with a performance at 8 p.m. on Jan. 31 in the Trojan Center Theatre. The event is sponsored by the University Activities Council and also will feature an Open Mic Night for TROY students.

The event is free to students and $10 for the public.  Open Mic Night gives students the opportunity to recite poetry or sing a song of their choice, according to Derrick Brewster, auxiliary services and student affairs coordinator. Interested students can sign up at the Trojan Center Food Court Jan. 29-30 to participate in the Open Mic Night.

Yewande, a Louisiana native, received her classical training in voice and piano at Howard University and Carnegie Mellon Conservatory of Music. She has received many awards including the Rose Panselle Award, a featured solo in the reading “Howard University Sings Spirituals” and a scholarship to Aspen Opera Theatre Center. 

In 2003, Yewande launched her own record label, Lotus Records. She has performed with such artists as the Black Eyed Peas, Enrique Iglesias, Michelle Branch, Sean Paul and Maroon 5. Her music features a powerful blend of jazz, pop and rhythm and blues.

For further information, contact the University Activities Council at 334-670-5768.

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