Spirit of Africa Festival 2011 (Black History Month in Vancouver)

Photo Credit: Christopher Gruver

My interest in urban and economic geography has often led me to try and research the history of Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and ethnic enclaves. I often wonder why Greektown (Kitsilano) has lost so much of its flavour, why Japantown near Chinatown almost disappeared. And then I found out about Hoggan’s Alley (where there was an enclave of black immigrants). Since February is Black History Month in Vancouver, I was delighted to be approached by the organizers of the Spirit of Africa Festival (which takes place on February 19th and 20th) to promote the festival and give away some tickets. The Spirit of Africa Festival, will include daytime drumming, singing and music workshops and evening shows.

I’m glad that folks associated with the African and South African communities have approached me recently to promote their events (remember I gave away tickets to the first-ever South African Film Festival 2011 and reviewed the movie SKIN). And coincidentally, my very good friend Rebecca Bollwitt is right now on her way right now to Ghana (Africa) on a blogging/travel trip (safe travels, Rebecca!). I can’t wait to read what she’ll be posting from there.

I am giving away a chance to win a free spot reserved at the West African voice and harmonies workshop with masters of A Capella harmonies H’SAO from Chad/Montreal who are the headliners of Saturday’s evening show.

I am also giving away a pair of tickets for the evening show by the Afro-pop sensation H’SAO, with opening local group of musicians and dancers (Yoro Noukoussi, Kurai Mubaiwa, Jacky Essombe & Navaro Franco) and special guest dancer ETIENNE CAPKO (Benin/Seattle).

For a chance to win, you can either comment on this post or add the following on your Twitter stream:

I entered to win tickets for dance & music performances at Spirit of Africa Festival 2011: http://is.gd/CLC3B1 (you could too!)

More about the workshops (also from their information sheet):

Caravan World Rhythms presents Spirit of Africa Festival: drumming, singing, music and dance workshops. Come celebrate with some of the top artists from BC’s African and cultural community and renowned guest artists from Montreal and Seattle! Immerse yourself in their cultures and discover their arts during two days of high-energy inspirational workshops as part of the Spirit of Africa Festival.

Feb. 19 (12:30-4:45pm) drum circle and West African singing workshop at the Wise Hall. 8:00pm show with H’SAO & Feb. 20 (1:30pm-4:30pm) African music, dance and drumming workshops at St. James Hall. 7:30pm show with Africa Wali Guinean Drum & Dance ensemble, Aché Brasil and Kunaka Marimba.

Tickets are $5-$10 on a sliding scale for each workshop. Pre-registration possible by phone 778-886-8908 or email caravan@telus.net. Ticket prices are $15 in advance or $18 at the door for each show. Tickets for the 2-day festival are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Details for each day:

Day 1 : February 19, 2011. Location: Wise Hall-1882 Adanac St.

12:30pm-2:30pm: Welcome ceremony and drum circle
The Spirit of Africa festival will start with a drum circle open to all levels with experienced drummers and interactive drumming group leaders Munkie Ncapaya, Sandi Millman and Ron Stelting

3:00pm-4:45pm : African Singing Workshop with H’SAO at the Spirit of Africa Festival
This is a not-to-be-missed unique opportunity to discover and learn West African vocal technique and harmonies workshop with masters of A Capella singing Afro-pop band H’SAO (Chad/Montreal). As mentioned above, H’SAO will be the headliners for the evening show at 8:00pm.

DAY 2: February 20, 2011. St. James Hall-3214 West 10th Ave.

1:30pm-2:20pm: Zimbabwean music, percussion and singing workshop
You can immerse yourself in the Zimbabwean culture with the workshop taught by musician and singer Kurai Mubaiwa and percussionist and dancer Navaro Franco. Play music, discover new rhythms and sing! You might even learn a few new dance moves along the way.

2:30pm-3:20pm : Beninese Dance and music workshop
Learn new moves and dance to live music with the Beninese dance and music workshop with award-winning guest dancer/choreographer Etienne Cakpo from Seattle and multi-instrumentalist Yoro Noukoussi.

3:30pm-4:30pm: Guinean Drumming workshop at the Spirit of Africa Festival
Discover new rhythms and sounds and drum along with the festival’s headliner performers: Africa Wali Guinean Ensemble. The workshop is led by master drummer Manimou Camara.The evening performance by Africa Wali will start at 7:30pm.

You can check their website for more information, on their Facebook event page and via @VanAfricaFest on Twitter. I will be drawing the 2 lucky winners of my giveaways on Friday February 18th at 11am. Good luck everyone!