7:30 p.m. to Midnight, August 13, 2016
Pacific Room, WUC (Ticketed)
7:30 – 8:30 PM
ZiMBiRA
Boulder, CO
ZiMBiRA revels in the traditional and contemporary music of Zimbabwe. The music is grounded in the mbira and the beat of the hosho, and evolves as the beautiful lines are reflected on the guitar, marimba and other instruments of the moment, which may include mbira, karimba, ukelele, bass guitar, hosho, vocals, hand drums and kit drums.
8:40 – 9:40 PM
Kudana
Eugene, OR
Kudana means “to love one another” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. This describes the essence of Kudana Marimba: to unite people with the heart and spirit of the whole planet. Using seven marimbas, singing, drums and percussion, our group invites enthusiastic participation in joyful dance! The melodic, spiritual music of Zimbabwe inspired band founder Ong Kar Walen to form Kudana in 1987. Our energetic, visually engaging performances of traditional and original songs create an uplifting experience.
9:50 – 10:50 PM
The Chinyakare Ensemble
Oakland, CA
The Chinyakare Ensemble is a family of musicians, dancers and teachers committed to preserving and sharing traditional Zimbabwean culture, and promoting community building and education through music and dance. Chinyakare presents an electrifying performance of the traditional dance, music and culture of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. The music (played on mbira, ngoma, marimbas and chipendani), songs and dance weave colorful stories that show scenes from everyday life, while teaching important life lessons, such as goal setting, perseverance and thankfulness. Chinyakare provides audiences with a glimpse of the beauty, excitement and spirit of traditional African dance and song.
11:00 PM – Midnight
Boka Marimba
Portland, OR
Boka Marimba is Portland’s original African-style marimba band. They have been thrilling audiences in the Pacific Northwest with the exuberant music of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa for more than 20 years. Boka’s blending of marimbas with percussion, drum set and vocals is upbeat, danceable, fun to watch and appeals to listeners of all ages. The members of Boka Marimba have diverse musical credentials, including backgrounds in jazz, percussion and voice, but they all share a love for Shona music. The sheer pleasure of playing is the glue that bonds the band together, and the desire to share this music with others is the fuel that fires Boka Marimba.
