Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song

Artist Statement:: Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song NAOS Schedule:

SATURDAY, 10/17:

* 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Free! WEST AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOP
FROG LOTUS YOGA, Historic Beaver Mill, 189 Beaver St/Rt 8
www.froglotusyoga.com

All Skill Levels, Mature Teens, Adults & Seniors Welcome!
Dress comfortably for movement ;)

* 12:30 - 1:45 PM
Free! COMMUNITY DRUM JAM
FROG LOTUS YOGA, Historic Beaver Mill, 189 Beaver St/Rt 8
www.froglotusyoga.com
Everyone Welcome! Bring your drums, percussion & dancing feet ;)

* 8 - 10 PM | Marafanyi @ 8:45 PM (weather permitting)
Free! MARAFANYI LIVE @ HOOSAC RIVER LIGHTS IIa
DOWNTOWN in the parking lot behind BigY near MASS MoCA
www.hoosacriverlights.com
This very special illuminated evening event downtown will offer a myriad of light exhibitions. The theme this year is "sky lights" to celebrate North Adams' history as the capitol of hot air ballooning in the early 1900's.

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SUNDAY, 10/18:

* 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Free! MARAFANYI LIVE Performance, Guinea Inspired Multi-Media Installation, Community Drum & Dance Jam, African Market +
HISTORIC BEAVER MILL (Ground Floor Gallery), 189 Beaver St/Rt 8
Everyone Welcome! Bring Your Drums, Percussion, Dancing feet and plan to shop! Service Learning piece for children & families included ;)

Biography:: Marafanyi Drum, Dance & Song

This pioneering group, founded by international musicians and teaching artists, Lara Gonzalez & Yael Shacham, presents an artistic expression that fuses original songs and spoken word with traditional West African rhythm and dance – showcasing indigenous instruments. Their infectious energy, genuine warmth, and rock- solid musical talent place them in high demand for group shows of every genre including World (Angélique Kidjo), Folk (Odetta), Rock (Hamell on Trial), Jazz (Perry Robinson) and Spoken Word (Carl Hancock Rux). Marafanyi is known for diverse creativity “from the heart, in poetic motion”.

The ladies of Marafanyi are committed to the therapeutic, educational and transformational power of drum, dance and song for all ages and populations. They are pleased to have recently collaborated with Guinean Master Artist, M'Bemba Bangoura and Guinean Griot & Balafon Master, Famoro Dioubaté. Marafanyi has also supported Congolese guitarist Dominic Kanza and his African Rhythm Machine at MASS MoCA and Grammy award winner, Angélique Kidjo from Benin at SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center). In addition, Lara & Yael have been respected teaching artists for 15 years and travel frequently to Guinea for professional development and assistance projects.

North Adams Open Studios -