DANCE | Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble 

The Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble this week will present its annual series of concerts under the auspices of The College at Brockport's Department of Dance, with artistic direction by Oluyinka Akinjiola, and musical direction by Khalid Abdul N'Faly Saleem. Saleem will perform live music for the works of guest artists Mohamad Diaby and Kelly Johnson, lead a drumming selection featuring traditional Guinean rhythms arranged by Diaby and himself, and accompany a premiere piece by Akinjiola. Akinjiola's concert works represent her immersive studies of the African diaspora, and includes an homage to Yoruban deity folklore with "The Story of Ogum and Oshun"; a traditional Guinean dance, "Yankadi-Makru"; and "Let Loose (your tongue)," a contemporary work set to the music of Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill. Additional highlights of the concert will be premieres from Nicson Martinez, pieces by student choreographers, costumes by Emma Scholl, and lighting by Benoit Beauchamp.

Performances take place Thursday, April 28, through Saturday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m., in Hartwell Dance Theater (Kenyon Street, Brockport). $8.50-$16. 395-2787; fineartstix.brockport.edu.