Rahzel, of the Roots, to entertain GW

One of the latest vocalists on the cutting edge of hip-hop, known as the “Godfather of Noyze,” is coming to GW Oct. 23.

Otherwise known as Rahzel, the vocal percussionist has established a successful following. A member of The Roots, a hip-hop live band, Rahzel established himself as a talented musician. His debut album, The Fifth Element: Make the Music 2000 (MCA Records), is a collage of almost every musical genre.

The tracks are inspired from artists such as Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau with guest vocalists Aaron Hall and Brandford Marsalis.

“With my vocal percussions, I want to bridge the gap among various musical genres. I want the beat box to be respected as a true art form,” according to Rahzel’s Web site.

The Program Board worked to bring Rahzel to GW. Ian Zeitzer, director of Concerts for the Program Board, said PB wanted to bring hip-hop to GW.

“It was a general consensus within the Program Board that the next show we did should be hip-hop,” Zeitzer said.

In the past, PB focused more heavily on rock groups despite hip-hop’s growth.

“We feel this program is a great opportunity to give GW students top-notch national music talent, at a price they can afford, at a venue that is close and safe,” Zeitzer said.

PB is “more than enthusiastic” at having Rahzel perform in a small setting like the Marvin Center Ballroom, Zeitzer said.

Tickets are available for $10 at the Marvin Center ticket booth.

-Maria Comella

Woodward to speak at Family Weekend

Journalist and writer Bob Woodward will be the featured speaker during GW’s Family Weekend, according to a University press release.

Woodward is a best-selling author and is also managing editor of The Washington Post. He is best known for his role in the reporting of the Watergate scandal.

Woodward, who won a Pulitzer Price, will discuss “Twenty-five Years After Watergate: What Was It and What Does It Mean?” He will speak at Lisner Auditorium Oct. 16 at 10 a.m.

After the speech, the Hall on Virginia Avenue’s Watergate 723 program will host a seminar by GW Professors Marcus Raskin and Harvey Fiegenbaum. Their presentation will further investigate the Watergate scandal and feature film clips, according to the press release.

“Bob Woodward’s participation in Family Weekend is a way to spotlight the importance of the Watergate experience for GW parents and students,” Columbian School of Arts and Sciences Dean Lester Lefton said in the press release.

-Steven Postal