The Department of Music presents The Anansi Trio, a group of like-minded musicians drawing from a wide range of global traditions. With Mark Merella on the hybrid drum kit, Larry Melton on bass, and UMBC’s Matt Belzer on saxophones, they create music that is unique and experimental yet remains accessible. Named after the trickster and storyteller, the Anansi Trio aims to develop a personal language by drawing on various improvisational traditions while working to expand their boundaries. The musical vocabulary as well as the spiritual and social applications of these traditions are considered and used as starting points for new idioms. Their sound is defined by the deep rhythmic elements of Afro-Cuban, Indian and Middle Eastern music, the harmonic and melodic phrasing of Jazz, and the brevity and immediacy of Funk with roots in the African American church and West African religious ceremonies. The intent is to use these elements much like music developed in the African Diaspora, combining elements to create a unique musical style while retaining a deep sense of tradition and spirituality.

The group has released two albums in recent years, On The Path (2018) and Calling (2020), and their work has received acclaim from All About Jazz, The Washington Post, and the Maryland State Arts Council. They have performed throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

The trio’s program will feature creative interpretations of works by Daymé Arocena, Nate Smith, and Matt Belzer.

$15 general admission, $10 seniors, $5 students.