Thursday, May 1, 2008
Writer: Shanna Relford
news@utsi.edu
Internationally renowned
for research and education in the realm of science, you might not
think of The University of Tennessee Space Institute as a
mecca for music and the arts. However, several of the
brilliant young scientists at UTSI also have a flair for the
artistic and have started a UTSI Arts Club. In 2006, students
Tony Saad, William Robinson, and Matthew Duran began a musical
project called MiRAJ, or Musically Integrated Rumba-Afro-Jazz.
“We write and perform our own music in a blend of three music
styles: Rumba, a reminiscent of flamenco, Afro in its fabulous
percussions, and Jazz,” said band member Tony Saad. This trio
added the musical talents of Michel Akiki and Nadim Zgheib this year
and began officially performing. Pictured above from left to
right are UTSI resident graduate students and MiRAJ band members
Michel Akiki, keyboard; William Robinson, alto sax and oboe; Tony
Saad, guitar; Nadim Zgheib, percussions; and Matthew Duran,
percussions. For music clips, pictures and more info about MiRAJ,
please visit the band’s website at
http://miraj.playz.it.
-- Photo by Eric Jacob
