South African musician McCoy Mrubata will perform as part of the Bradley Backstage series on Thursday, Feb 2, at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center at Fryeburg Academy. Mrubata will be joined by his musical collaborator, guitarist Gary Wittner.

Once a member of the legendary Hugh Masekela’s band, Mrubata has established himself as a saxophonist, bandleader and touring/recording artist. A recent recipient of the South African Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center’s International Arts Gold Medal, Mrubata has released over 20 CDs of original South African jazz and has toured the African continent and Europe extensively. His music blends traditional African roots with American jazz.

Guitarist Gary Wittner, a faculty member at the University of Southern Maine School of Music and Bowdoin College, has performed worldwide. He has officially represented the US multiple times as a Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassador, Fulbright Specialist, and US Embassy Outreach Artist. Wittner has released 7 CDs as a leader. He performs original music, instrumental and vocal jazz, Blues and Americana, Latin and Middle Eastern music. His book, “Thelonious Monk for Guitar,” published in 1999, has been a favorite of guitarists worldwide.

The pair have performed together since 2006 — 4 times in South Africa, and now, with this tour, 4 times here in the USA.

Bradley Backstage tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Purchase tickets online at www.fryeburgacademy.org/pac, or call the box office at 207-544-9066. The LHE/PAC is located on the campus of Fryeburg Academy at 18 Bradley St., Fryeburg.

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