Ambuya has been caring for AIDS orphans for a number of years in her home, and will share stories of the joys and difficulties of this responsibility, becoming ever more common is Zimbabwe in recent years. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

A bira is a ceremony to enable the living to communicate with the ancestors. The primary role of mbira in Shona culture is to facilitate this communication. The Mujurus will give detailed descriptions of various types of bira ceremonies. A question and answer period will follow. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

Hear how life is changing in rural Zimbabwe. Pictures and discussion provide a unique view into the daily life of hardship and contrasting uplifting growth and development that can occur with minimal intervention. A bold and naked look at evolution. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

To enable participants to identify the five distinct classes of Zimbabwean traditional music and dance. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

Ready to go public with your music? Already performing but looking for ways to refine your show? This workshop for beginning and intermediate performers will explore various issues pertaining to the performing band/musician. Information on topics such as stage presence, set flow, song arrangements, sound gear and band promotion will give you the tools to help your band achieve a new level of vibrancy and professionalism in performance.

Enhance your marimba building skills by understanding the science behind them. The physics of keys and resonators will be examined through discussion and demonstrations. Tuning systems will be examined if there is interest and time. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

This class will depict the way how our ancestors dealt with problems and dealt with counseling. They would counsel directly or resort to stories or parables — teaching through storytelling. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

A general Shona culture lecture (as opposed to his specific lecture about spirituality) covering marriages, the different roles played by the father, mother, and children, the role of chiefs and headmen, and more. David will also introduce basics of the Shona language. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

Sekuru Gweshe will present a unique spirituality workshop. One of his major missions abroad is to introduce the true essence of Shona spirituality to the west. He will offer a comparison between modern Christianity and traditional spirituality. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

In 2001 mbira master Garikayi Tirikoti recorded his music in our studio in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He also gave us permission to show his music and great talents to as many people as possible. Garikayi has created new mbira tunings which have come to him in dreams. These new instruments allow him to play all traditional tunings in unison, creating an Mbira Orchestra. His virtuosity on every instrument makes him an mbira force, an endless surging river of mbira urging all people to remember the wisdom of their ancestors. We will be setting up our multi-track studio equipment so that everyone can listen to Garikayi playing mbira, hosho, ngoma and singing both lead and backing vocals. Garikayi Tirikoti is an mbira revolutionary, intensifying the experience and sound of mbira music. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.

Marigrace just returned from a year-long homestay/service program in Bulawayo, and is overflowing with enthusiasm to talk about Zimbabwe, specifically Ndebele language and culture. The Ndebele language is particularly interesting because it uses ‘click’ sounds. She’ll also offer people the chance to sample Mopane worms (great crunchy caterpillars), and play some Ndebele gospel music, as well as pop music you’re likely to hear in the public transportation. This class is offered “by donation” and pre-registration is not required.