Sunday, November 28, 2010

[Wadabo_updates] Uhuru Afrika & JUMP! parties in December

Greetings All - 
I'd like to share a little about 3 upcoming parties this month:
* Dec 11 - Uhuru Afrika @ AllAsia - 2 Year Anniversary & World AIDS day benefit party
* Dec 16 - JUMP! @ Oberon featuring Kaleta & Zozo Afrobeat (live 12 piece afrobeat band)
* Dec 31 - Uhuru Afrika New Years Eve Party @ AllAsia

Details about each party below.

There are discounted tickets for student groups available for the JUMP! party, and discounted tickets available for everyone for the NYE party. Please write uhuruafrika@gmail.com for details. 

Also note that JUMP! is working to fund the growth of our parties through you, our fans. To contribute, or just see what we're up to, please check out our Kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1039658929/grow-jump-together

Thank you!
peace & blessings.
erich


Uhuru Afrika's 2 Year Anniversary Party & NextAid World AIDS day Benefit

Saturday, December 11 at 9:00pm - December 12 at 12:00am
AllAsia Bar
344 Mass Avenue in Central Square
Cambridge, MA

We can't believe it has been 2 years full of amazing memories, performances, celebrations and MUSIC! We launched our party on December 4th 2008 and 2 full years later we are a movement! Thank you for all of your dedication, support and energy! IT IS BECAUSE OF YOU that we are celebrating this anniversary! We are looking forward to another year full of quality and wonderful gatherings full of surprises and music and dance! As we did for our first party, we honor world AIDS Day. When we began we partnered with NextAid, a non-profit NGO that is doing grassroots AIDS work in Africa. We typically donate 10% of the profits from all of our parties to NextAid, but this month, we donate 100%. We believe in them and the great and needed work they are doing on the African continent!

Uhuru Afrika is part of NextAid's 4th Annual World AIDS Day campaign, kicking off on November 27th and running the entire month of December. There are over a dozen parties in 10 cities in 3 countries on board! Proceeds will support NextAid's current projects in Africa including the construction an eco-friendly micro-enterprise facility for youth in Kenya; the education of orphaned children in South Africa and critical maternal health programs for girls and women in Sierra Leone. 

Did you know...

- Every day 6500 people die of AIDS in Africa 
- In Swaziland, 60% of pregnant women are HIV positive
- There are 15 million orphans in Africa, more than there are American children under the age 5 
- There are 15 million AIDS orphans in Africa
- Parts of Mozambique are facing deforestation due to the demand for coffins.
- 11 Teachers a day die of AIDS in South Africa
- Only 10% of children orphaned by AIDS are receiving any public services.

If you cannot make it to a benefit party, you can still be a part of the global campaign by joining us online. For all the up-to-date campaign information, go to 

NextAid is a dance music based nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of music to support sustainable development projects that serve vulnerable children, youth and women in Africa. Through music events and public education initiatives, NextAid provides empowering opportunities for concerned individuals to make a difference. "Using the beats of our generation to provide hope for the next!" www.nextaid.org 

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Uhuru Afrika : Boston's Afro-Diasporic Dancefloor Explosion
Celebrates its 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
With a Next AIDS World AIDS Day Benefit!

Saturday December 11th 2010

Featuring your Resident Uhuru Afrika Urban Griots:
Adam Gibbons & Max Pela

Live West African Drumming by
Malian Master Percussionist Issa Coulibaly.

Jay Medina will be mastering a live mix of moving images for you.

Uhuru Afrika : AllAsia Bar : 344 Mass Avenue in Cambridge, MA
21+ : $10 : 9pm-1am


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:: Uhuru Afrika's JUMP! featuring Kaleta & ZOZO Afrobeat! ::

Thursday, December 16 at 9:00pm - December 17 at 1:00am
@ Oberon
2 Arrow Street (Harvard Square)
Cambridge, MA

JUMP Returns!!!
With residents:
* urban griots :: Adam Gibbons & Max Pela.
* Malian master percussionist :: Moussa Traore.
* Visual Artist :: Jay Medina.

and very special guests: (all 12 of them!) 
KALETA & ZOZO AFROBEAT!

18+ : $10 : 9pm-1am ($5 before 10 pm)

We're taking JUMP! to the roots of our party - to Afrobeat. To the music that inspires our souls and moves our feet, that moves our souls and inspires our feet.

'Zozo' - taken from the Goun and Fon word for 'something hot', truly keeps the Afrobeat fires burning. A 12 piece ensemble from NYC, Zozo Afrobeat features musicians from around the world and is led by African music luminary Kaleta. Born in Benin and raised in Nigeria, Kaleta grew up recording and performing with legendary Nigerian musicians Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade. After moving to the US, Kaleta toured with Femi Kuti and Lauryn Hill.

Like Fela, who used his music to challenge a corrupt Nigerian government, Kaleta writes songs that are socially and politically provocative. At the same time, his lyrics reflect a keen sense of humor and message of hope. 

Come to dance to Zozo's remarkable energy - singing, dancing, cascades of horns, hypnotic Benino-Nigerian rhythms, captivating solos. 

...........................................................

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Uhuru Afrika New Year's Eve FĂȘte!

Friday, December 31 at 9:00pm - Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 4:00am
AllAsia Bar
334 Mass Avenue in Central Square
Cambridge, MA

We are excited to yet again, craft the hottest Afro-Soulful Unpretentious, Beautiful New Year's Eve Party this city has to offer for you! We will bring the new year in with your favorite DJs & Live performances with an explosion at Midnight!

If you were at our last NY party, you know! If you were not, Check out the pics here>

Get ready!

Uhuru Afrika New Year's Eve FĂȘte!
December 31st 2010
!! 9pm-4am !!

:With your urban griots:
Adam Gibbons & Max Pela

:Malian master percussionists: 
Issa Coulibaly & Moussa Traore

With More Entertainment Announced Soon!

Jay Medina will be mastering a live mix of moving images for you.

+ Organic African Cuisine from each of Africa's Corners of North, South, East & West
+ Fresh Bissop & Baobab AfroCocktails 
+ Complimentary Champagne toast @ Midnight
+ Noisemakers & Favors
+ Explosive, Energetic Dancefloor Experience!
+ Uhuru Afrika totebags full of goodies including our annual Uhuru Afrika New Year's Eve Double CD mixed by Adam Gibbons & Max Pela. 

........................................................
Advanced Reduced Admission tickets available online now!


Monday, November 15, 2010

[Wadabo_updates] Reminder: NEW Class tonight: Contemporary West African w/Michelle Bach-Coulibaly

Reminder that tonight is the second night of Michelle's new contemporary west-african class. Details below

DETAILS:

Monday nights
7:30-9pm
YWCA (Central Sq)
7 Temple St
Cambridge MA
$13

An on-going study of Contemporary African dance class with: 
Michelle Bach-Coulibaly (see bio below) and Moussa Troare from Mali West Africa.

Class description:
This class will engage each student in a rigorous and detailed physical decoding of Mande Dance and Performance traditions from Mali, West Africa. These  life-cycle, celebratory dances are from the Bambara, Somono, Khassonke, Minianka, Malinke, and Wasalou cultural groups that emphasize Mande concepts of youthfulness, brightness, luminosity, coolness, stability, flexibility, strength, balance and communal healing. Each dance will be taught with a focus upon its cultural context and place in defining a National Patrimony. 

Each class will begin with a thorough warm-up that emphasizes building strength, flexibility, and endurance to efficiently work in the style and vitality of West African Dance, Music and Performance.  The warm-up floor and standing barre is based in Yoga, Pilates, Somatic Studies, and corrective alignment practices.The dances taught are from the Mande region of Mali, with repertory from Contemporary Malian ballet companies including Danse Kelete, Ballet National, District du Bamako, and Troupe Komee Josee.
  
Michelle is the co-founder and director of the Yeredon Centre for Cultural Preservation and Social Engagement in Mali, West Africa. With Seydou Coulibaly, Michelle Bach-Coulibaly directs cultural exchange and service learning trips to Mali every year with three-five week sessions happening over Winter Break, during planting season in the Spring and two different sessions in the Summer.  The Yeredon Centre is in partnership with The Djoumanzana Orphanage and Community center, The Kafo Association, Madame Togo Orphanage, and numerous NGO's to work on literacy, environmental and public health projects.

Moussa Traore was born and raised in Mali, West Africa. He has been playing the djembe for the past thirty years, and in 1984, after completing a twelve-year apprenticeship, he was deemed a "master" by his teachers, Sega Cisse and Sidiki Bagayogo.  Moussa's teachers are still drumming as Malian elders and are highly respected for their life-long work. For more info on Moussa, please see http://www. moussamalidjembe.com/


For more information please email Alice Heller at aliceheller@comcast.net or see http://www.alicehellerdance. com/

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

[Wadabo_updates] Malian Djembe Workshop with Issa Coulibaly

Malian Djembe Workshop
with Issa Coulibaly

Saturday, November 27, 2010  
2PM to 5PM
Edwards Church Meeting Hall
Framingham, MA 
(easy to get to off Rt2, 30 or the Pike! a nice trip - Easy parking)

Move YOUR drumming to the next level. Meet drummers from around the world!

We are thrilled to have Malian born, Issa Coulibaly, Master Djembe artiste and musician teaching for us! So will YOU! 

In this 3 hour workshop, Issa will keep you on your toes with exciting Malian djembe rhythms in his fun and easy-going style. Issa is able to pull the best out of your drumming and he does it with style, grace and a great sense of humor.

This one day workshop will fill up fast. Appropriate for Advanced, Professional as well as beginners! 
Issa is an expert at multi-level teaching. Each student will receive individual attention. Bring a djembe to class. If you don't own a drum, let us know.

Our office number is 781-648-0066 for general info. 

We accept a personal check, all major credit cards and PayPal, all online. Advance registration required. No walk-ins.


Or contact The DrumConnection at 781.648.0066 office or info@drumconnection.com

Hope to see you there!

Monday, November 08, 2010

[Wadabo_updates] Reminder: NEW Class tonight: Contemporary West African w/Michelle Bach-Coulibaly

Reminder that tonight is the first night of Michelle's new contemporary west-african class. Details below

DETAILS:

Monday nights
7:30-9pm
YWCA (Central Sq)
7 Temple St
Cambridge MA
$13

An on-going study of Contemporary African dance class with: 
Michelle Bach-Coulibaly (see bio below) and Moussa Troare from Mali West Africa.

Class description:
This class will engage each student in a rigorous and detailed physical decoding of Mande Dance and Performance traditions from Mali, West Africa. These  life-cycle, celebratory dances are from the Bambara, Somono, Khassonke, Minianka, Malinke, and Wasalou cultural groups that emphasize Mande concepts of youthfulness, brightness, luminosity, coolness, stability, flexibility, strength, balance and communal healing. Each dance will be taught with a focus upon its cultural context and place in defining a National Patrimony. 

Each class will begin with a thorough warm-up that emphasizes building strength, flexibility, and endurance to efficiently work in the style and vitality of West African Dance, Music and Performance.  The warm-up floor and standing barre is based in Yoga, Pilates, Somatic Studies, and corrective alignment practices.The dances taught are from the Mande region of Mali, with repertory from Contemporary Malian ballet companies including Danse Kelete, Ballet National, District du Bamako, and Troupe Komee Josee.
  
Michelle is the co-founder and director of the Yeredon Centre for Cultural Preservation and Social Engagement in Mali, West Africa. With Seydou Coulibaly, Michelle Bach-Coulibaly directs cultural exchange and service learning trips to Mali every year with three-five week sessions happening over Winter Break, during planting season in the Spring and two different sessions in the Summer.  The Yeredon Centre is in partnership with The Djoumanzana Orphanage and Community center, The Kafo Association, Madame Togo Orphanage, and numerous NGO's to work on literacy, environmental and public health projects.

Moussa Traore was born and raised in Mali, West Africa. He has been playing the djembe for the past thirty years, and in 1984, after completing a twelve-year apprenticeship, he was deemed a "master" by his teachers, Sega Cisse and Sidiki Bagayogo.  Moussa's teachers are still drumming as Malian elders and are highly respected for their life-long work. For more info on Moussa, please see http://www.moussamalidjembe.com/


For more information please email Alice Heller at aliceheller@comcast.net or see http://www.alicehellerdance.com/