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MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Lobene (585) 275-5260 or Helene Snihur (585) 275-7800
October 30, 2002
TIME, DATE, AND PLACE: 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, on the ground level of Wilson Commons on the University of Rochester's River Campus
ADMISSION: Free and open to the public
Chester B. Mahooty, a Zuni Pueblo who is an internationally known singer, dancer, and silversmith, will present a program of dance, storytelling, and talks on history and jewelry at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, on the ground level of Wilson Commons on the University of Rochester's River Campus.
For 28 years, Mahooty's Zuni Rainbow Dancers toured throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. His vast knowledge of songs, drum, and Pow Wow and Zuni dances led to an invitation to join the American Indian Dance Theatre in 1987.
Mahooty served as a Zuni Pueblo tribal councilman and testified for the Religious Freedom Act, which in 1978 assured Native Americans the right to practice their religious and cultural traditions. The Zuni, one of 19 Pueblo tribes, live in New Mexico and are considered direct descendants of the ancient Anasazi.
A master silversmith, Mahooty is noted for his exceptionally large turquoise jewelry and wears 65 pounds of turquoise and silver when fully dressed in his Zuni attire.
Mahooty moved to the Rochester area in 1993, where he has continued to teach Zuni songs and dances. He will be accompanied by several dancers during his program at the University.
Mahooty's presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call (585) 275-5911.
The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.
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