In order to spice up Emporia’s culture, the Emporia Arts Center is bringing two unique acts to the Granada Theatre. The Kenya Safari Acrobats are set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The second show is Black Violin, which will be at 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday.

“We thought that (these acts) would have a broad appeal and especially with Kenya Safari Acrobats, we felt like it was a family show that would appeal to both young and old and that it really had a unique cultural element to it that we thought could bring some entertainment as well as education to our community,” said Melissa Windsor, executive director of EAC.

Windsor said that Black Violin is something unique and different that will appeal to a younger audience that EAC is not always able to reach.

“(They) are showing people that traditional musical instruments can be played in non-traditional ways,” Winsor said. “I think that it is a great opportunity for us to enrich our lives and expose people to something new and different.”

Will Hohmeier, EAC marketing assistant, said that Black Violin combines classical skills with a modern, DJ or Hip Hop mix to create their own unique sound.

“With Black Violin, ESU has been very helpful and we are really thrilled to have UAC as a part of our sponsors,” Windsor said. “They will be helping us get the word out and spread the news that we have a great concert coming up.”

EAC is offering students free tickets for both acts that are available at the ID office in the Memorial Union. There are 150 tickets for Black Violin and 50 for Kenya Safari Acrobats.

“I think that students are going to be surprised because the quality is top notch,” Windsor said. “They are going to see professionals of the performing arts. It will broaden their experiences. I think that overall it is a wonderful way to get a different perspective on the world.”

Windsor said that the arts really opens doors to new experiences and it is really important that people continue to be open. She thinks that acts such as these will help Emporia to draw new businesses, people and students.

“I think that bringing more culturally diverse shows to Emporia is a great idea because it keeps things interesting,” said Sarah Williams, sophomore elementary education major. “New and different experiences help to draw people out of their homes into something fun.”

After the shows there will be educational outreach opportunities for youth to learn more about the performances and the artists. Students from Riverside Elementary and William Allen White Elementary will get the opportunity to meet and ask questions of the Kenya Safari Acrobats.

Khaili Scarbrough