EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

DATE: Sunday, Sept. 11, 2:30 p.m.–approximately 5 p.m.

EVENT: Falling up and getting down: A live skateboarding and music celebration

The University Musical Society and Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark will present a groundbreaking event showcasing the art of improvisation that’s prevalent in both music and skateboarding.

Nationally and internationally celebrated professional skateboarders will improvise to an inspired blend of jazz, R&B and hip-hop performed live by the Kennedy Center’s artistic director of jazz, Jason Moran, and his band, The Bandwagon.

Featured skateboarders include Andy Macdonald, Ron Allen, Chuck Treece, Tom Remillard, Jordyn Barratt and Natalie Krishna Das.

Beyond the live performance and skateboarding exhibitions, activities include open skate, DJ sets by Tadd Mullinix and Alvin Hill, food trucks, vendors, raffles, a skateboard art museum and more.

The event serves as both the kick-off of the University Musical Society’s 138th season—which features 66 performances through the end of April 2017—and the Ann Arbor Skatepark’s third annual celebration.

“There is something very special about this poetic play on improvisation that will shine through as the athletes and artists play off of one another,” said UMS senior programming manager Mark Jacobson. “Some of the featured athletes are accomplished musicians in their own right and we’re looking forward to showcasing that, too. I am thrilled that we are able to bring an open-to-the-public event of this scale to the Ann Arbor community in one of its greatest public parks.”

PLACE: Ann Arbor Skate Park, 350 N. Maple, Ann Arbor

INFORMATION: Admission is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is requested at ums.org/skatepark. For more information on 2016-17 UMS season, visit ums.org/season.

SPONSORS: University Musical Society, Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark and City of Ann Arbor’s Parks & Recreation Department