SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - What began two years ago at Wittenberg University as a sharing of cultural resources is becoming a popular tradition for fans of music who want to learn more about the craft. Jazz, blues and rap artists in town for the African American Cross Cultural Works Blues Festival, held in nearby Yellow Springs, will present a music workshop called "Keeping the Legacy Alive." Scheduled from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10, in room 300 Krieg Hall, the eclectic jam session is offered at no charge.

Featured performers include Guy Davis, an acoustic roots-blues singer/songwriter, Houston Person, tenor saxophonist, Michael Wimberly, drummer, Onaje Allen Gumbs, pianist, and Karen Patterson, jazz cellist. Also performing will be Nerak Roth Patterson, an urban-blues guitarist, and rap artists Jay Classic, Tsar and GT from New Breed Entertainment.

According to the Blues Revue "Guy Davis is, at heart, a storyteller. A master at setting intimate, richly nuanced tales to stomping acoustic blues backing, often with folky accompaniment, the 50-year-old performer helped revitalize the state of country blues in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed albums for Red House Records." Davis is the son of actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.

"The past two workshops were a big success because while everyone had a good time, we're sure they also learned something about music while they were there," said David Wishart, Wittenberg professor of economics and volunteer with the Yellow Springs festival.

The African American Cross Cultural Works organization is a non-profit group forging closer links among people from all backgrounds. The group's motto is "Everybody Counts."

Wittenberg's music workshop is sponsored by the music department, the provost's office, multicultural student programs, Africana Studies, global studies and Concerned Black Students.

The rappers involved in the workshop will offer a free hip-hop concert from 8 - 10 p.m. Friday in Wally's Pub, located in the lower level of the Benham-Pence Student Center.