Mile High Jazz Festival (2019)

Join the Thompson Jazz Studies Concert Jazz Ensemble, directed by Paul McKee, as CU students join forces with Paa Kow and his Afro-Fusion Orchestra in concert during the 55th annual Mile High Jazz Festival.

Performance date and time: 

Thursday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Program: 

Bob Mintzer: Slo Funk; Tito Puente, arr. Bob Mintzer: Oye Como Va; Marcus Miller, arr. Michael Mossman: Tutu; Mongo Santamaria, arr. Michael Mossman: Afro Blue

View full program

Growing up in the small village of Enyan Denkyira near Cape Coast in Ghana, West Africa, Paa Kow began to play music and tour with his family’s concert band at a very early age. Dubbed “Ghana’s most artistic drummer” (Modern Ghana), he has since grown to be widely recognized as one of the most remarkable drum set players to tour in Africa, Europe, and America. Paa Kow’s deep groove and prodigious talent reveal a unique ability to speak to listeners with his drums, inspiring a profound spiritual conversation. His songs are captivating and danceable and incorporate lyrics in his native language, Fante, as well as English. Paa Kow’s vision is to spread the music and culture of his homeland by touring the world with his Afro-Fusion orchestra.