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Behind the music

Auggie backup band’s role helps bridge cultures and generations

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 Bob Stacke ’71, retired associate professor of music, is known and respected for his cross-cultural percussion performances. Stacke’s deep musical connections were critical in forging the partnership between the College, the Cedar Cultural Center, and visiting artists.
Bob Stacke ’71, retired associate professor of music, is known and respected for his cross-cultural percussion performances. Stacke’s deep musical connections were critical in forging the partnership between the College, the Cedar Cultural Center, and visiting artists.

Augsburg College students, alumni, and faculty have helped bring a cutting-edge musical partnership to life by performing alongside the rising voices of the Somali music scene and even some “super stars.

Midnimo, the Somali word for “unity,” is a two-year partnership between Augsburg and the Cedar Cultural Center to bring Somali artists to Minnesota for educational residencies and concerts. This unique opportunity is supported by a prestigious $200,000 grant award and a number of Auggies—including Faculty Emeritus Bob Stacke ’71—whose cross-cultural relationship building and love for performance set the stage for a truly intergenerational, intercultural musical immersion.

 Steve Herzog ’06 [pictured, right] was selected by Bob Stacke ’71 to write and arrange the music for Midnimo visiting artists. Herzog often has needed to transcribe and arrange music in less than a week. Through this work, Herzog has been inspired to develop a program for engaging Somali youth in the advancement of Somali music. He’s also pursuing a master’s degree in education at Augsburg.
Steve Herzog ’06 [pictured, right] was selected by Bob Stacke ’71 to write and arrange the music for Midnimo visiting artists. Herzog often has needed to transcribe and arrange music in less than a week. Through this work, Herzog has been inspired to develop a program for engaging Somali youth in the advancement of Somali music. He’s also pursuing a master’s degree in education at Augsburg.

At concerts held through Midnimo, artists ranging from the pop collective North American Super Stars to Somali-British singer-songwriter Aar Maanta played alongside backup ensembles comprised of a mix of Auggie students, alumni, and former faculty whose own musical gifts and talents helped make Midnimo a critically acclaimed program.

For many of the Auggies, participating in Midnimo has offered the opportunity to join a partnership that’s the first of its kind in the nation and to do what they love best: play.

Midnimo was awarded one of six $200,000 grants from the highly competitive Building Bridges: Campus Community Engagement program by the Association of Performing Arts Presenters funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.

[Top photo] A mix of current students, alumni, and former faculty serve as the backup band for one of the Midnimo artists. Somali-British musician Aar Maanta (far right) practices with musicians [L to R]: Kyle Burbey ’15, Steve Herzog ’06, Andy Peterson ’05, and Ben Somers.

 

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