“Voices Of Africa” Choral Ensemble On Tour in Plymouth NH

The Music

Performing since 1991, “Voices Of Africa,” presents a complete and unique experience of soul-stirring a cappella harmonies and traditional West African percussive rhythms in music, which spans the African Diaspora. “Voices Of Africa,” brings a powerful message about African & African-American culture and tradition.The Ensemble has performed to standing ovations at the Women & Earth Conference, Ghana, West Africa, The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., the National Women’s Music Festival and many other venues throughout the country and abroad. The “Voices Of Africa,” share the joy of their music, which spans the African Diaspora, through traditional African and African-American songs, message music, gospel and inspirational percussive rhythms

After School Workshops

The “Voices of Africa” Choral Ensemble will give an interactive, powerfully passionate encounter with traditional West African percussive rhythms that is spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching to area schools participating in Friends of the Arts’ Art Encounters program. These two hour After School Workshops will include a demonstration of Voices Of Africa music and instruments. Students will observe the playing of traditional West African percussion instruments such as the Sekere, Sakara (hand drum), Sangba drum and Agogo (double headed bell; West African percussion patterns; and a hands on interactive with students. The instruments used in the workshops are hand held Percussions instruments made in Nigeria, West Africa. They provide excitement for those who hear and play them. Students from the Campton Elementary School Choir will work with Voices of Africa in three after school workshops. These workshops are part of Friends of the Arts’ “ArtLinks” program , a collaboration between Friends of the Arts, Regional Arts Council and the LNP Community Coalition to promote positive alternatives through arts for middle school youth by engaging them in healthy, drug-free activities in their communities. These choir students will perform with the Ensemble on February 22, 2003 @ the Silver Cultural Arts Center.

The Concert Program-February 22, 2003

“When we perform, it is guaranteed that the spirit will start moving,” says Nana Agyiriwah. There is no predicting what will happen when the Ensemble takes the stage.º You are assured of a thrilling and engaging presentation of soul-stirring and uplifting music. The Ensemble stresses that in traditional African Society, everyone actively participates in the making of music. It is not just entertainment but interaction between musician and the community. A proverb from Zimbabwe states: “If you can walk you can dance, if you can talk you can sing.” This openly invites everyone. Feel free to dance, clap and enjoy the powerful music of the “Voices Of Africa.”There will be a 30-minute pre-performance talk by a representative of the Ensemble at 7:00 PM.

Friends of the Arts, Regional Arts Council is grateful to Bridgewater Power Company, Plymouth State College and the State Street Global Advisors for their support of this important and energetic program! Call the Plymouth State College box office at 535-ARTS and get your tickets today as this show is sure to be a sell out! A dinner/theatre option is available for an additional $10 at the Common Man in Ashland, the Bull & Bier Haus Grill and the Tree House Restaurant in Plymouth. If special accommodations are needed, please call the PSC box office in advance of the performance.

For more information on this or any other Friends of the Arts’ programs, please call the Friends of the Arts office at 603/536-1182 or visit our website at www.friends-of-the-arts.org.

SAVE THE DATE: Friends of the Arts Annual Art Auction March 14 & 15, 2003 at the Holderness School!