Mark, thank you so much for posting the playlist! Adela

Youssou N’Dour’s performance was one for the books. A unique and inviting experience for all who were able to attend. In my opinion there were several great elements to the performance – the drumming, cultural integration and audience participation.
I would have attended this performance just for the drumming itself. The talent that was on the stage in the percussion section was awe-inspiring. Each beat and hit was precise and passionate. I loved how the lead drummer acted as an emcee and got the crowd going.
In addition to the percussion, as a young college student with millennial tastes, I had never been exposed to this kind of music. To me it had a great 90’s jazz pop feel, at times, somewhat along the lines of Gwen Stefani’s “Underneath It All”. Youssou’s music being more diverse and culturally unique, of course.
And unlike any UMS performance i have attended, I loved the audience participation. Being able to be a part of the performance, watching people dance and have a clear appreciation for the music was the highlight of my night.
UMS, please bring back Youssou! In the highlight of recent events, the community and fellowship was warming.

Today’s performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago was underwhelming at times, yet also entertaining. It seemed to take some time for the audience and dancers to warm up to one another. The first piece was redundant in its themes and the lack of new ideas left the performance falling flat. I don’t think this is representative of the performers and more accurately attributed to the choreography. While I found the movements interesting,there was too much repetition with very little variation. If the ideas expounded upon themselves more, I think N.N.N.N. could have accomplished more. However, the two latter pieces (Quintett, One Flat Thing) were entertaining in their overall themes and brought me to the edge of my seat.

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This performance was fabulous. This is an important emerging star of modern dance/choreography. I was very excited to see this, and my expectations were exceeded. Saturday night’s program was outstanding. PLEASE UMS INVITE KYLE ABRAHAM/ABRAHAM IN MOTION BACK AGAIN IN FUTURE YEARS!!!

Last night’s concert by Apollo’s Fire and Philippe Jaroussky was one of the most sublime UMS events I have ever attended. Please, please bring both them and him back for future performances!!!!! More baroque opera please!!!!