Sout African musician to perform concert

It's always nice if, while accomplishing a long-held goal, you can have a great time reaching it.

That's what the students at Waubonsie Valley High School have planned for Saturday, when South African recording artist Vusi Mahlasela performs at a benefit concert.

"Vusi is coming out of a large stewardship program," said Joy Ross, assistant principal at Waubonsie and one of the driving forces behind that program, known as Warriors Reaching Out.

Ross said a group of 13 students, members of Waubonsie's a cappella Mosaic Ensemble, plan to journey to South Africa June 4-18, where they will do their part to improve conditions in the post-apartheid society, where economically disadvantaged people continue to struggle.

They'll talk with students at South African schools, help with peer development programs aimed at battling the HIV/AIDs pandemic and build two Internet cafes, Ross said.

"It's really a very comprehensive program," she said.

She said students and teachers on the trip plan to let the world know of their experiences through a blog. And videotape will be shot throughout the trip with an eye toward putting a documentary together when the travelers return.

Ross said Vusi opposed the country's apartheid policies with music and poetry and became a powerful voice for change.

An accomplished musician who has played with Dave Matthews, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Paul Simon, Vusi last year released his most recent album, "Guiding Star." He's currently on tour with his band.

"He's awesome," Ross said.

The 7 p.m. concert will be preceded by the South Africa Alive Cultural Arts and Literacy Fair at the school from noon to 4 p.m. Ross said there will be storytelling, activities for children and African cuisine and art available for purchase.

Vusi's concert is the third major fundraising event held to pay for the trip in the past year.

Ross said two other benefit concerts, one featuring Kirk Whalum in December and the other featuring the Muntu Dancers in February, have helped make the trip possible.

"It's been 11 months of some real, good hard work," Ross said.

If you go

What: Vusi Mahlasela concert presented by Warriors Reaching Out

When: 7 p.m. Saturday concert; cultural fair from noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora

Concert tickets: $25

Info: (630) 375-3699 or http://wvhs.ipsd.org/reaching_out.asp