GMercyU Welcomes Afro-Cuban Ensemble ZapOte! to Campus

Gwynedd Mercy University welcomed world-renowned Afro-Cuban, all-female ensemble ZapOte! to campus to celebrate Black History Month on Friday, February 7.

New York City-based bassist Conguera and singer-songwriter Dawn Drake lead the Global Groove ensemble, which breaks down cultural barriers by incorporating everything from Afro-Cuban jazz to hip-hop to samba into a soul-shaking mix.

Deep bass grooves and swinging horn lines provide a danceable backdrop for Drake's socially conscious lyrics, which impart messages of universal consciousness, empowerment, and compassion. They regularly perform outreach concerts at schools in conjunction with the Brooklyn Arts Council, and they are part of a fiscally sponsored project called "Global Girls" which aims to empower women and youth through music.

The concert was free admission and open to the public. Learn more about upcoming campus events.