Opening Ceremony and Free Concert
Thursday August 7, 7:30 – 9:15 p.m., Outdoor Stage (SURC NE Lawn)
The Opening Ceremony, led by Zimbabwean guests, will be followed by a free concert, performer TBD.
Late Night Gatherings
Late Night Thursday through Sunday, Al-Monty Hall Ground Floor Lounge
Zimfest 2025 features the return of the Late Night Gatherings, which start after the evening concerts Thursday through Sunday and continue until the wee hours of the morning. These parties will be held in the main lounge inside the entrance to Alford-Montgomery Hall. Zimfest organizers, in line with the 2025 COVID Policy, encourage all attendees to take personal responsibility in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 and wear masks, as the indoor space may well get crowded. See the Zimfest 2025 COVID-19 Policy page for more information.
Late Night Mbira and Jamming Thoughts
The late night gathering is a time to watch, to listen and to dance, as the more accomplished musicians share their ancient and modern traditions with us. We ask that you not use this time for experimenting with newly learned songs or hosho patterns, and we encourage groups of beginners and intermediate players to gather and play in nearby locations.
We would love for drummers to find a different time and place for jamming – unless you are only one or two experienced drummers accompanying other activities.
Leave marimba jamming to the Marimba Jam times – see below.
A host will be designated to help the party run smoothly. If several people would like to change to a different instrument or activity (e.g. from mbira to singing), the host can help facilitate the change if needed.
This is a ceremonial time. Above all else, please be respectful.
As a reminder we encourage you to bring food, snacks and beverages to share, but please remember: alcohol is not allowed in campus public spaces, including the lounge.
Marimba Jam Time
Friday and Saturday, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Location TBD
The Marimba Jam room is back this year! Because the Zimfest schedule is so packed with activities, the only time we could find that doesn’t conflict with workshops, performances or other activities is during dinnertime!
These times are open to all participants at any level, and you can drop in for any length of time that you want. An experienced marimba player will be present to act as a facilitator. We ask you to respect one another and respect the instruments. Masking Encouraged.
Marimba Jam Rules of Engagement
- Respect the Instruments
- Respect Each Other
- Decide as a group what to play
- Make sure everyone who wants to play gets a chance
- Give suggestions, not critisism
- Ask before you photo or record
- Remember, we’re a community
- And have fun!
Community Time / Village Meeting
Sunday, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., SURC Ballroom
The Zimfest Association has set aside time on Sunday morning, August 10 for all of us to gather and consider together topics that are vital to our community. We refer to this time as the Zimfest Village Meeting. The Zimfest 2025 Organizing Committee and Zimfest Association Board of Directors cordially invite all Zimfest participants to join us for this meeting. As this is an indoor venue, we encourage attendees to maintain COVID safety awareness and to mask up.
Zimfest 2010 Village Meeting at OSU
The Village Meeting will include opportunities for cultural exchange. We invite all Zimbabweans in attendance at the festival to join our panel of guests, whether or not you are teaching or performing. This is also the time for the annual public Zimfest Association (ZA) business meeting, which will include a discussion about future Zimfest plans, a report on the membership organization, and a discussion on ZA Board initiatives. We look forward to feedback from festival participants on all topics. If you are interested in joining the fun and excitement of helping to organize Zimfest or taking part in ZA Board policy-making, please contact the Board at for more information.
Festival Highlights – Join Your Teachers Onstage
Sunday, 4:10 – 5:00 p.m., Outdoor Stage
The Festival Highlights show this year features some old and new Zimbabwean friends. Michael Sibanda will lead a song in tribute to Alport Mhlanga, longtime teacher at the Kwanongoma College (the original home of the modern Zimbabwean marimbas). The workshop groups scheduled to take part in the Festival Highlights are shown below. We are encouraging attendees to sign up for the highlighted workshops and, if you are available, to show up 15 minutes before the listed performance time. (But don’t worry, we’d love to have you take these workshops whether or not you perform!)
- Intermediate Marimba: Rugare I Tribute to Alport Mhlanga
with Michael Sibanda (Session 6) Guest performers welcome!
performing 4:10 – 4:25 p.m. - All Singing: Zunguza Muviri (Shake Your Body)
with Tipei Marazanye (Session 7)
performing 4:30 – 4:40 p.m. - All Dance: Gumboot Dance
with Lucky Moyo (Session 6)
performing 4:45 – 4:55 p.m.
