Stomp brings its high-energy show to RU

Stomp, the world-famous percussion ensemble, is bringing its explosive show to Radford University on Thursday, Feb. 21.

Stomp has grown into one of the world's most familiar live events and continues to win numerous awards, enjoy rave reviews and perform in major venues around the globe. The troupe is appearing at RU as part of the 2012-13 University Performance Series.

"Stomp comprises amazing musicians," said Joseph Scartelli, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) and chair of the University Performance Series Committee. "Their genre of percussion, creativity of sound and movement is incredibly engaging."

Each year, CVPA selects world-class professional individuals or companies to perform for the campus and surrounding communities as part of the performance series. RU considers hundreds of potential events each year in every category of the performing arts, Scartelli said.

Stomp, which grew out of the street band tradition, was created in the United Kingdom in 1991. Performers use their bodies and everyday items like trash can lids as percussion instruments in the high-energy, witty show. Among its most notable performances was an appearance at the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.

The performance series is dedicated to bringing arts events of the highest caliber to the New River Valley. The committee has the obligation and privilege of providing cultural and artistic events that would be otherwise unavailable in the area, Scartelli said.

"All of our events are produced with both the campus community and our regional community of western Virginia and beyond in mind," he said. "Nothing we do in the arts is complete without sharing it with an audience."

Stomp will perform in Bondurant Auditorium in Preston Hall at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children and free with an RU ID. They can be purchased at the Hurlburt Student Center information desk or by calling (540) 831-5420.