Music from Ghana: “The Wood that Sings”

Western Arts Wednesday at the Hotel Leo presents Music from Ghana: “The Wood that Sings.”

This is the inaugural Western Arts Wednesday event. It is a collaboration between the College of Fine and Performing Arts and Hotel Leo.

The event is free and open to all. Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the event from the Amendment 21 Restaurant and Bar in the Hotel Leo.

The Music of Ghana, West Africa

The event will showcase the music and culture of the Ghanaian xylophone, known as the gyil (pronounced “jeel”). WWU Percussion Professor Patrick Roulet and the WWU Advanced Percussion Group will perform. Roulet's journey with the gyil began in 2006 with lessons under a tree in Ghana from Aaron Bebe Sukura, Senior Instructor at the University of Ghana.

This initial spark led to virtual remote gyil lessons, a six-week sabbatical in Ghana, and the publication of the book "Ghanaian Xylophone Music for Marimba" co-authored with Sukura. In November 2024, the WWU Percussion Group performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis, demonstrating how Ghanaian xylophone music can be adapted to the western concert marimba.

About Western Arts Wednesdays at the Hotel Leo

The Hotel Leo has invited the College of Fine and Performing Arts (“CFPA”) to produce arts performances and presentations to create a "Western Arts Wednesday" series. Taking place the third Wednesday of each month, the series will connect WWU CFPA programs to the Bellingham community. The Leo’s spaces can host informal performances, lectures, discussions, donor events, and are ideal for showcasing student projects. The donated space is adjacent to the Leo’s restaurant and bar, with food and drink service available. The Hotel has also offered the ballroom for larger events.

Photo by Joel Tetzlaff