March 14: Artists' Talk on Developing a Creative Mindset

Thursday, March 14, 2019
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Twin Rivers Council for the Arts

MANKATO, Minn. -- Minnesota State University, Mankato's Music Performance Series and the Twin Rivers Council for the Arts will co-host musical artists Big Samir and Aja Black (The Reminders) and dancer/choreographer Amirah Sackett on Thursday, March 14 at Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, 523 South Second St., Mankato.

The program will discuss how to develop the soft skills of cooperation, collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovation. Attendees will learn how these skills are teachable and learnable.

The discussion will begin at 7 p.m. with a reception and meet and greet to follow at 8 p.m.

The Reminders are a rare and remarkable musical duo seamlessly blending soulful sounds and roots music with insightful messages and thoughtful lyrics. The group consists of Brussels-born emcee Big Samir and Queens-born emcee/ vocalist Aja Black.

Samir weaves intricate rhythmic patterns with a bilingual French/English flow, complimented by Black's confident delivery, diverse cadences, and unique vocal stylings. Beyond performances and appearances, the duo is constantly and actively engaged with community organizations, schools, and universities delivering workshops, talks, and specially catered performances.

Sackett explores and embodies her Muslim American identity through combining hip-hop movement and Islamic culture. Huffington Post featured Sackett in its article, “17 Muslim American Women Who Made America Great in 2016.” Sacket believes hip-hop culture, as a whole, gives voice to those often unheard and is a way to uplift, inspire, and bring change to those communities that need it the most.

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Those interested in attending may register for free tickets at http://twinriversarts.org/trca-events, or contact the Twin Rivers Council for the Arts at 507-387-1080.

This activity is made possible in part by a grant from the Association of Performing Arts Professionals; and Building Bridges: Arts, Culture, and Identify, a component of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.

For more information, call Minnesota State Mankato's Performance Series office at (507) 389-5549.