Zimbabwe in the North Fork

Announcing Zimbabwean Drum, Dance & Song workshops with Jennifer Kyker in Hotchkiss, Saturday July 21st and Sunday July 22nd 12pm-4pm, Hotchkiss Memorial Hall. Click the poster at right for a larger version, or click here to download the printable PDF version of the poster (suitable for printing and posting on your refrigerator or at a nearby cafe or bookshop). For more information, call Adam at 970-872-4413.

Jennifer Kyker began to play marimba in 1990 and mbira in 1992. She has lived and studied in Zimbabwe for over three years. Jennifer has performed with various artists in Zimbabwe and the US, including Kudana Marimba Ensemble, the Chigamba family’s group Mhembero, Wagogo, and Chris Berry and Panjea. With Musekiwa Chingodza, she released the CD “Tsunga,” and also performed on Musekiwa’s solo album, “Chingodza Budai Pachena.” Jennifer has been teaching at Zimfest since 1995.
She is currently working on a PhD dissertation in ethnomusicology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jennifer will be offering a weekend long Dinhe intensive:

Come and learn dinhe, a harvest rhythm from the northern, Korekore speaking region of Zimbabwe. This series of intensive workshops will introduce drumming, singing, and dance for the dinhe rhythm. Workshops are open to all levels of drummers, dancers, and singers.

Saturday, 12 noon: Dinhe drumming: 1.5 hours

In this workshop, we will learn two supporting parts and one lead part for dinhe, a rhythm which involves challenging cross-rhythms and syncopation. Please bring a drum. As some drumming parts for dinhe are played with both sticks and hands, a dunun or other drum which can be hit with a stick is ideal, although djembe and conga drums will also work for some of the parts for dinhe.

Saturday AND Sunday, 2 pm: Dinhe dance: 1.5 hours

Dinhe dance involves stylized movements that represent activities related to the harvest, and can include props such as baskets and hoes.

Sunday, 12 Noon: Dinhe song & Hosho: 1.5 hour

This workshop will introduce a song commonly sung to the dinhe rhythm. This workshop will also cover basic hosho technique for the tsaba, muchongoyo, and mbira hosho patterns, with special emphasis on mbira hosho. We will learn how to produce the desired sound quality for hosho playing, and how to hold a steady rhythm to accompany mbira or marimba music, with an emphasis on fitting together the hosho pattern with various mbira parts.

All classes will be held at Hotchkiss Memorial Hall, 1st Street, Hotchkiss. (Noon – 4pm Sat & Sunday)

Price is $55 for all classes, or $15 for each class in advance, $18 for each class at the door.

Mbira classes also offered, please inquire. Camping available, call for details.

More Information, Questions: Call Adam @ 970-872-4413.

To pay in advance, send chacks made out to Jennifer Kyker to Adam, PO Box 969, Hotchkiss CO 81419;

Great drumming, dancing, mbira, marimba… trees and mountain air.

Chris Berry will be visiting Western Colorado on May 4th, 5th & 6th. Please join us for a weekend of performance, storytelling, drumming, dance and mbira classes.

On Friday May 4th, Chris will appear on KVNF’s friday noon music program “talkin’ music”. Later that evening Chris will tell stories, and perform on the mbira at the Blue Sage Center in Paonia.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 5th & Sunday 6th, Chris will be offering Drum, Dance classes at Memorial Hall (1st & Main) in Hotchkiss. Chris is well known for his masterful drum classes, and those who have had a chance to dance with Chris know his style and energy are exceptional. Mbira classes will also be offered each day, please call for details if you are interested in attending the mbira classes.
Click the poster at right for a larger version, or download the printable PDF version of the poster, or call Adam at 970-872-4413.

In the last few days, Zimbabwe has plunged further into crisis, with key democratic activists beaten by their government. Click below to sign the petition calling for stronger, targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe’s leaders:

http://www.Avaaz.org/en/zimbabwe

On Sunday, while boarding a plane to an international meeting, Zimbabwe’s democratic opposition spokesman was beaten so severely that he lost an eye. Last week, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was arrested and beaten for attending a protest prayer vigil. Other democratic activists in Zimbabwe are under a terrible threat, with many still held in prison.

We can’t let this moment of international attention pass without pressing for effective action. We intend to deliver our petition by the end of the week. If Europe and neighbouring South Africa (Zimbabwe’s largest trading partners) threaten tougher sanctions, Mugabe will be forced to stop his attacks. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from South Africa, is already calling on his country and others to take action. Click below to join him in calling for a response:

http://www.Avaaz.org/en/zimbabwe

Rujeko Chenzira & Heidi Alina
Hotchkiss Memorial Hall
March 17 & 18 2007

Click to download a printable PDF of the event poster, suitable for posting on your fridge.
Drum & Dance classes will be offered both days. Price before March 10th is $15/class, after March 10th the price is $18/class. Preregistration requested – space is limited. Please call 970-872-6004 for more information.

Rujeko Chenzira belongs to a family of musicians and healers from the Shona tribe of Zimbabwe. Her unique background and knowledge of both Western and African dance, music and culture provide the perfect platform for Rujeko to act as a bridge between the two cultures.

Heidi Alina, a native of Boulder CO, earned her degree in piano performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1990, winning top scholarships and graduating with honors/Heidi’s primary mentor and teacher in African music has been Chris Berry. Chris’ unique fusion of Zimbabwean and West African styles has been highly influential and is evident in Heidi’s own music.

We will be gathering to play mbira, learn new songs and enjoy a potluck dinner. Call for details.

Check out a recent class presentation by Cosmas & Beaular (with Catherine):
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And a little more, later that evening:

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All the details have been posted at the Panjea.org website – sign up by April 24th for the discounted rate.
Camp Tumbuka takes place at the Synergia Ranch in the heart of New Mexico and focuses on Marimba, Mbira, Song, Dance, and Drum of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. The goal is to create a community village atmosphere conducive to passing on the ancient beauty and wisdom of Shona culture.

Visit the Tumbuka Page at Panjea.org.

Tatenda Music Center will be bringing Garadziva Chigamba to Santa Fe from December 11-18th. Garadziva is son to Tute Chigamba, is a brilliant! marimba player, mbira stylie and with a knack at just a few marimbas. He also plays mbira, Chigamba family style, dance, song, hosho and drum.
Anyone interested in heading down for the weekend? Keep your calenders clear for some fun.

Zimbabwean music has taken root in Western Colorado!
Check this site for updated postings about visiting teachers or events. Post your comments if you have them!