Related Events & Classes
Youssouf Koumbassa is coming to Maine June 22nd & 23rd!
(Portland & Kittery)
Before moving to the United States more than 25 years ago, Youssouf was a principal dancer with Ballet Djoliba, one of Guinee’s premier dance and drum companies. Currently, Youssouf is one of the most sought after teachers of West African Dance in all the world. He teaches at workshops and conferences from Japan to Mexico and California to — lucky us — Portland and Kittery, Maine!!
Here’s a video from a workshop Youssouf led at the Dance Hall a year ago.
Drummer Mamadouba “Mito” Camara was discovered by Kemoko Sano, the director of Les Ballets Africains, when he was just thirteen years old. He joined the ballet and toured the world with them for more than eleven years and eventually moved to the United States, settling in Connecticut. In addition to being an incredible musician, Mito is a gifted instructor. This will be his third time at the Dance Hall and we look forward to welcoming him back.
Mark your calendars. Youssouf Koumbassa and Mito Camara are not to be missed!
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*World Fair Trade Day ~ Saturday May 12th, 2012*
Calling Drummers!
Anyone who would like to drum for World Fair Trade Day-May 12th from 11 am – 6pm anytime. Please bring yourself, your friends, a stool and your drum to Karma Fair Trade on 570 Brighton Ave (beside Rosemont MKT) and make some music for the world. Karen runs the shop and is a huge supporter of crafters from all over the planet – doing world service and donating time and money. Come see, come talk, come purchase beautiful items for good causes, play some drums and draw people in to see it all. Call Karen at 831-4531 or visit www.karmafairtrade.com – or just show up!
Keep an eye on this page to hear about more fun events and opportunities coming up!
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*Many Great Classes Coming Up in Kittery and Kennebunk!
Please see this link for more info!*
*Kennebunk, ME March 17, 24, & 31 2012:
West African Dance Classes with Liz & Alhassane Fowler-Camara
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*Cambridge, MA February 13th, 2012:
Nimbaya ~ Women Drum & Dance Company of Guinea
I am so excited for this show! Nimbaya is much more than an incredibly talented ensemble of female performers; they represent hope and positive change for the women of West Africa. Learn more:
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NIMBAYA! is a daring response to taboos stretching back thousands of years. Never before had women played the djembe in West Africa, the instrument being historically reserved for male players. In 1998, while managing the world-renowned ensemble “Les Percussions de Guinée”, Mamoudou Conde realized the world was ripe for change and decided to create an all-women percussion and dance ensemble. Chosen from among those living in the most difficult conditions – jobless and often with children to support – the women artists participate in the development of a lucrative art-form, one that has facilitated a change in their economic independence. Each artist strives to break free of the financially precarious lifestyle imposed upon her by society. In choosing to become a percussion player, these women have demonstrated their desire to control their destiny. |
More info on the Nimbaya Website, and for TICKET INFORMATION here.
Presenting spectacular performances, Nimbaya! “plays with a fury, pounding out heart-racing rhythms and dancing into near frenzies.”—The Boston Globe
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Project Yelen is the fantastic project of my dear friends Jean Dimillo and Lanssine Traore to bring solar power to Lanssine’s village of Salamale in Mali, West Africa. Please click the link and check out Project Yelen!
Summary
Project Yelen is important because it will provide electricity, education, jobs, healthcare, and clean water to the villagers of Salamale. Energy For Opportunity and Project Yelen are teaming up to provide a solar powered community charging station (CCS) for the community of Salamale in Mali. The CCS will disseminate LED lighting to households, and pave the way for more solar power projects in the community’s schools and health clinic in the future.
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*Saturday, November 19th
Maine Marimba Ensemble in concert with Zimbabwean performer Dr. Fafi Bere
aka 3Percent
Discussion with Fafi 4pm
Performance 4:45 & 6:30pm
The Big Easy
55 Market St., Portland
$10 per person / 21+
Please come and enjoy a wonderful show and show your support for bringing
more African musicians to Portland.
Dr. Fafi Bere, visiting from NYC, is a practicing artist and educator with a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from New York University, blends traditional African rhythms with urban beats to give a unique thumping and hard hitting sound that cannot be pigeon-holed, but can be identified as worldbeat.
Grooving dances from Fafi blend with the soulful vocals from award winning songstress Edene (Zimbabwe), twanging guitar work from Michael J. Olson aka Doctor Twang (Tucson, Arizona), and marimba grooves, drums, percussion, and bass. The result will be the hypnotic Pan African grooves that will heat Portland like it’s July.
Before the concert, Fafi will discuss the Zimbabwean diaspora of mbira and marimba players living in North America
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* Thursday November 17th, 2011:
Trunk Show at 8:30pm just after Portland’s West African inspired dance class, at Maine Ballroom Dance Studio!
Designs by Kara Seymour
Giving you the Courage to Shine!!
Fun, beautiful active wear!
All of Kara’s creations are designed and hand stitched in Maine using eco-friendly, recycled and salvaged material. This unique, comfortable and form fitting line of clothes is great for all occasions. Whether you are practicing yoga, dancing your spirit free or out and about on the town, these creations are one of a kind pieces that enhance your form and give you the courage to shine.
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*Burlington VT, Nov 3-6th, 2011:
Jeh Kulu’s Annual West African Drum and Dance Festival!
For more information please visit Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theatre!
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* First Friday Art Walk * November, 4th 2011:
The Beauty of Darfur ~ The Tragedy of Genocide
Featuring the international immigrant children’s choir- Pihcintu, artwork by Falmouth High School students, music, and dialogue with local Sudanese community members and United to End Genocide CEO and President, Tom Andrews.
What a great way for us to support our Sudanese neighbors in Portland! I hope you’ll consider joining me.
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