CELEBRATE SOUTH AFRICAN CULTURE AT GLENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY’S HAND DRUMMING WORKSHOPS
Master Hand Drummer Baba Shibambo to Engage Residents in Fun, Music, Storytelling Events, Concert
Residents can explore South African culture and tap into their creative sides during fun-filled, interactive workshops that Master Hand Drummer Baba Shibambo will lead June 4 -7 in several of the City of Glendale’s libraries.
The Glendale Public Library’s African Music and Arts Village invites families and other community members to experience South Africa’s vibrant, cultural traditions through this engaging program that will feature indigenous music, storytelling and hands-on opportunities to play djembes, marimbas, shekeres and other traditional African instruments. This unique offering celebrates cultural diversity and the importance of unity and harmony, while having a great time.
Shibambo will kick off the cultural gatherings with an opening concert from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 3 in the Glendale Main Library Auditorium at 5959 W. Brown St. There will be djembes, dun duns, handmade wooden marimbas, shakers, bushman bow, kalimbas and other traditional African instruments played during this concert. Attendees will be able to enjoy storytelling, as well as an interactive song and dance component to the event.
The workshops will be as follows:
Teen/Adult Workshops (For Those Ages 12 and Older):
June 4: 10-11 a.m., Main Library Large Meeting Room
June 5: 11 a.m. to noon, Foothills Library Roadrunner Room, 19055 N. 57th Ave.
June 6: 4 to 5 p.m., Velma Teague Library Meeting Room, 7010 N. 58th Ave.
June 7: 4 to 5 p.m., Heroes Regional Park Library Yucca Room, 6075 N. 83rd Ave.
Youth/Caregiver Workshops (For children ages 11 and under accompanied by a parent or other caregiver):
June 4: 2 to 3 p.m., Main Library Large Meeting Room
June 5: 1 to 2 p.m., Foothills Library Roadrunner Room
June 6: 2 to 3 p.m., Velma Teague Library Meeting Room
June 7: 2 to 3 p.m., Heroes Regional Park Library Yucca Room
Workshop participants will showcase what they have learned during a final concert from 2 to 3 p.m. on June 9 in the Main Library Auditorium. Music, dance and stories orchestrated and choreographed by Shimbambo will be performed.
Shibambo is an international touring performer and recording artist from South Africa. A Zulu, his name translates to "guardian of the skins," a nod to his family's esteemed role as caretakers of the tribe's animal skins. Growing up during the Apartheid era, Shibambo began playing traditional African drums at a young age and he has since toured internationally, performing in musical and theatrical productions, including for Nelson Mandela, the late, South African anti-apartheid activist, politician and statesman who was the first Black president of South Africa. Shibambo blends age-old teachings with reflections on his life in Apartheid-era South Africa, along with his personal, modern-day experiences, bringing a one-of-a-kind, profound perspective to his performances.
Registration is required to participate in the workshops. To register and learn more, visit http://gplaz.org/events. A City of Glendale Performing Arts Grant funds this program.