OBERLIN, Ohio—
Two of the biggest names in the entertainment world are in town for a big event at a local college.Singer Stevie Wonder and comedian Bill Cosby are helping Oberlin college celebrate a state of the art addition to its campus.
Friday afternoon, Stevie Wonder took the stage at Oberlin's Warner Concert Hall, playing a mini-concert for about 400 local school children. He was joined on stage by students from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
Legendary comedian Bill Cosby, a jazz enthusiast and advocate for higher education, was also in town, to help dedicate the just-completed Kohl Building, part of the Conservatory of Music at Oberlin. Bill Cosby, his wife Camille, and Stevie Wonder, all received honorary degrees.
"The Kohl building, Kevin, is really extraordinary because it's first of all the most technically advanced music facility anywhere," explained David Stull, Dean of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.
The 40-thousand square foot addition features one of the world's largest jazz collections, and a world-class recording studio.
"In this space we can actually record and upload directly to the internet, and sell music on I-tunes, Napster, across the board," he explained.
"I heard about the recording studios, they just sound so legitimate, the quality and the new technology, it sounds unbelievable," said junior Sarah Martin, a violin player.
Earlier this year, the Conservatory was recognized by President Obama. The addition allows the jazz and classical musicians to study music history and music theory all in one place.
"People I tell I went to Oberlin will equate me with this building, aesthetically it's gorgeous, it's just fun to look at," said senior Alex Morris, who plays drums.
"I just think the building is a symbol of the heart of the department," said junior Tim Bennett, who plays saxophone.
Perhaps the biggest thrill is some of the students get to celebrate the new building by getting a chance to play on stage with Stevie Wonder for Saturday night's official celebration.
On Friday at 8:30 p.m., Bill Cosby is scheduled to perform "An Evening with Bill Cosby," at Finney Chapel on campus.
Stevie Wonder's full concert is Saturday at 8:00 p.m., also in Finney Chapel.
Neither event is open to the public, but the public can go to Warner Concert Hall on Oberlin's campus both nights to watch on closed-circuit television, as well as the Apollo Theater in town on Saturday.
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