Dr. Eddie Ade Knowles is an accomplished musician and Professor of Practice in the Arts, with 50 years of performance, residency, workshop, and recording credits, as a percussionist. Ade’s artistic focus is on African, Afro-Cuban, and New World Percussion, and he has performed and/or, recorded with many well-known artists, including Gil Scott-Heron, the Last Poets, and Kim & Reggie Harris.
Presently, Ade teaches Introduction to Afro-Cuban Percussion and the Roots of Africa Music Ensemble. He is also Director of Ensemble Congeros, a group of Rensselaer alums dedicated to the study and performance of African, Afro-Cuban, and New World percussion. The Ensemble was founded in 2004, as an outgrowth of the interest and passion of Rensselaer’s students who excelled in Dr. Knowles’ course, “Introduction to Afro-Cuban Percussion.” On March 30, 2012, Ade celebrated the release of their first DVD entitled, “Ensemble Congeros: Chasing the Rhythms.” With performances at colleges, universities, festivals, and historic concert halls, Ensemble Congeros continues to be a folkloric work in progress.
Ade is a past recipient of the prestigious honor of Artist in Residence through the New York Foundation for the Arts. In 1996, Ade was accepted for residency in Afro-Cuban Folkloric Music at the Banff Center for the Arts, Alberta Canada. He served for many years as a member of the Board of Directors of the historic Troy Music Hall, as president, vice president, and chair of the music program. In 1995, Ade was selected by Metroland, a regional arts publication, as a “Local Hero.” This honor is “an annual tribute to area residents who make a difference.” Ade is listed in Who’s Who in the East, Who’s Who Among Black Americans, and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.