Two showcases for African drumming offer exciting opportunities for education and healing.
Ayanda Clarke, a second-generation African-American musician, will give a lecture workshop on Monday, February 21, 2:30 p.m. at Princeton University’s Hagan Dance Studio, 185 Nassau Street, Princeton. As founder of the group Palms Down (see inset of album cover), Clarke will examine the relationship between traditional African music and dance through video viewings, historical references, experiential discussion, and musical demonstrations. A second-generation African American percussionist, he has a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University (Class of 19989) and also earned his master’s degree in ethno-musicology from there. The lecture is free.
Three African drummers — Foluso Mimy, Kolipe Camara, and Ray Philip — will perform at the African Soiree, a benefit for the United Front Against Riverblindness, on Saturday, March 12, at 6 p.m.
The evening includes a silent auction, authentic cuisine and music, and a mini-concert and demonstration of African rhythms. It will be held at the Mackay Campus Center, Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton.
Proceeds will help United Front Against Riverblindness (UFAR) to eradicate riverblindness in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where approximately 21 million of the 60 million people are at risk of getting this disease, according to Daniel Shungu, founder of UFAR.
Admission is $50 ($25 for students) and advance payment is required. Go to www.riverblindness.org or call or email Princeton United Methodist Church, 609-924-2613 (office@princetonumc.org). Free off-street parking is available.