posted by
Helen Kelley on September 29, 2011 07:32
Josh Dekaney has always relied on music to get his creative juices flowing, and nothing screams expression quite like some soulful Brazilian beats.
Dekaney is the founder and director of Samba Laranja, otherwise known as the Syracuse University Brazilian Ensemble or “Orange Samba.” The group will be one of the headlining performances at the first ever VOICES event, presented by the Hiscock Legal Aid Society and Everson Museum of Art on October 6, 2011.
“I just want to continue making music with great musicians,” said Dekaney, who will also be playing with the local Latin-American band, Grupo Pagan.
Dekaney, currently an affiliate artist of percussion at SU, first got his start in Brazilian music when he was an undergraduate at the University of Kentucky studying music education. A guest artist named Chalo Eduardo came to the school to teach Brazilian percussion, and Dekaney instantly became hooked.
Since then Dekaney has traveled the world playing percussion with such artists as Dave Valentin and Aretha Franklin. He has also spent time in Brazil studying folk and popular music with some of the best artists in the world. Most recently he headlined the Batuka! 2010 International Drum Fest in São Paulo.
Despite all his world travel and experiences, Dekaney is still rooted in Syracuse.
In addition to directing Samba Laranja, Dekaney also teaches the drums and hand percussion at SU. He is also in charge of the SU marching band and regularly performs educational concerts at Syracuse area schools.
“Samba Laranja is a wonderful addition to our lineup at VOICES,” said Steven Kern, Everson Museum of Art Executive Director. “Josh has done so much for this community and is a glowing beacon for what creative expression and this event is all about.”
Samba Laranja will perform as a quartet and play acoustic Brazilian folk music, a style that Dekaney believes will complement the other types of art expected to be featured at the event.
The group, which has grown from five students in 2001 to 45 students today, has played all over the Eastern seaboard and has just released its second album titled “Native Orange.”
As for Dekaney, his plans for the future include “continuing to play Brazilian music at a high level and to educate students and the public about the culture and art of Brazil.”
VOICES offers an opportunity for guests to support two organizations that encourage and promote expression. Admission is $125 per person. Reservations are required.