Free African music concert and drumming classes offered

NEWBURGH — Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh will continue its series of concerts and drumming classes with a free African music concert featuring percussionist Jeff Haynes and musician/songwriter Samite at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, in Hudson Hall Auditorium. Haynes has toured and recorded extensively with jazz singer Cassandra Wilson, the Pat Metheny Group, and Al Jarreau. He has recorded on more than 100 CDs. The Uganda-born Samite is the founder of the non-profit Musicians for World Harmony. He has recorded eight CDs and is one of East Africa’s most accomplished flutists. In February Haynes will offer free weekly drumming classes focusing on blues rhythms. The first class will be offered Feb. 4 at the Desmond Campus. Haynes will share stories of the history of blues in America, from New Orleans to Milwaukee. The classes will conclude with a concert on Feb. 23. The Mount’s Center for Community and Educational Services has designed this series of drumming classes and concerts to enhance music appreciation and celebrate cultural diversity. The series is made possible through a grant received from the New York State Music Fund. To learn about other classes and concerts, call 565-2076.