ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – For its last performance of the 2023-24 academic year, the Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Popular Music Ensemble will present, ‘Star Music: Hits From Yesterday and Today’ on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Auditorium. The program is designed to present a vibrant journey through the landscape of popular music in the United States from the 1960s to present day.  

“This event is poised to serve as a dynamic educational and entertaining experience, catering to the students, faculty, and staff of ECSU, and also to the broader community in Elizabeth City and surrounding areas," said Bracy Martin, lecturer and assistant director of bands.  

Established in 2019, the Popular Music Ensemble focuses on multigenerational genres of music. Under Martin’s leadership, students in the ensemble will showcase their talents and interpretations of iconic musical pieces from different decades. Their participation is not only a testament to their musical prowess, it is also an educational endeavor, offering them practical experience in performance and an understanding of music's role in cultural expression and societal shifts. 

“This event is structured to be high-energy, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience for the audience. It is designed to be more than just a concert – it's an educational journey to connect the dots between musical epochs and their corresponding cultural contexts,” Martin said.  

Martin added, “This initiative aligns with the ECSU Department of Music and Visual Arts' commitment to providing a supportive environment for creative expression and using the arts as a medium for community engagement and education​​.” 

Admission to this event is free, which underscores ECSU's dedication to making cultural and educational experiences accessible to a wider audience, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural heritage​​. 

Who: ECSU Popular Music Ensemble 

What: Star Music: Hits From Yesterday and Today 

When: Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center