News Release

Music, song kick off Penn State Harrisburg diversity series

September 15, 2008

Grenoldo Frazier

Penn State Harrisburg’s second annual diversity lecture series begins its 2008-09 slate of events October 20 with a focus on music and drama from acclaimed actor, composer, and performer Grenoldo Frazier.

Hosted by the college’s Diversity and Educational Equity Committee (DEEC), the year-long public series is designed to support Penn State Harrisburg’s commitment to foster community dialog on issues while providing a forum for the exchange of diverse perspectives.

Dedicated to enhancing the University and community climate for diversity, Penn State Harrisburg hosts a variety of programs through the year designed to foster collaboration and communication among all racial and ethnic groups to improve the quality of life in the region and on campus and an appreciation of all cultures.

A complete listing of Penn State Harrisburg’s free public events – lectures, presentations, entertainment – is available by clicking on the calendar link at www.hbg.psu.edu.

With the theme of “The Anatomy of Social Justice: A Call to Action,” the series includes expert presentations on a variety of related topics including health, religion, music and the arts, American-Islamic relations, and the legal system. Frazier will explore the role of drama and music as it applies to the series theme.

Frazier’s performances, noon to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Gallery Lounge of the Olmsted Building on campus are free and open to the public. For information, phone 717-948-6180.

With a performance ranging from Broadway to television to movies, Frazier has been termed a “music phenomenon,” blending his encyclopedic knowledge of music with his talents as a vocalist and pianist.

His spirited presentation covers African American music from its inception through the 20 th century, jazz, rag time, early rock and roll, musical theater, and the great American songbook.

On stage, he played Barnaby Tucker in Pearl Bailey’s version of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway, Phineas T. Barnswallow in the first Sesame Street Live production of “A Sesame Street Mystery: The Case of the Missing Rara Avis,” and was the voice of one of the Anything Muppets singing “Disco D” on the Sesame Street TV program.

Included in his other credits are the revue Billy, Lena, and The Duke: A Night of Ellington Music and off-Broadway play Moms starring Clarice Taylor as Moms Mabley for which he served as musical director and additional composer while playing the supporting role of Luther.

His television credits include episodic appearances on the soap opera One Life to Live and American Gothic.