Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
The University of Central Arkansas’ Reynolds Performance Hall welcomes distinguished speaker, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila on Tuesday, April 6th at 7:30 pm.
Akbar is the host of NBC’s four-time Emmy Award-nominated hit competition series “American Ninja Warrior.” He is also host of the Universal Kid’s spin off show, “American Ninja Warrior Jr.”, as well as NFL Networks’ highest rated show, “NFL Fantasy Live.”
The Los Angeles native grew up in the Crenshaw district with his mother and father, both of whom were born and raised in Nigeria, and his six siblings. His first name means “great” in Arabic, and his last name means “big man come save me.” Akbar played football for San Diego State all four years while receiving his degree in communications and new media studies. He then played five years in the NFL as a linebacker and defensive end with the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2008.
(from left): J. Robert Spencer, Daniel Reichard, Christian Hoff and Michael Longoria
The University of Central Arkansas’s Reynolds Performance Hall will welcome “The Midtown Men” Saturday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Original cast members of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys,” Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer joined in 2010 to create “The Midtown Men” and bring to life the sound story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with their own unique “Rat Pack” style and dance moves. Now on their 10th national tour, “The Midtown Men” bring talent and charm to the stage while dancing and singing to ՚60s-era hits from artists such as Frankie Valli, The Beach Boys, Chicago, Elvis and The Temptations.