“The Spirit of Togetherness” is an African Cultural Fundraising Even that has toured major cities in the United States. It was so well received in Mesquite Nevada a couple of years ago, that we are giving people here in St. George that opportunity to be part of this unique and special event. The performance weekend is slated for December 5-6th, hosted by ARTe Gallery at the Sunbrook Ranch Performance Stage.
Over the two days, internationally acclaimed West African master musicians, drummers, and dancers will perform in the evenings. During the day there will be workshops and traditional painting classes appealing to all age groups. A fresh new experience, fun for all the family!
The mastermind behind this touring group and fundraising event is artist Gueria Gaston, Emissary of Yacouba Tribe, Ivory Coast, W. Africa, whose traditional carving, painting, and tribal dress-design for ceremonies is recognized by The Brooklyn Museum of Art and United Nations. Gueria Gaston is one of the foremost experts on African art in the world today, and will be giving painting classes and a short lecture on tribal art and healing.
The individual and collective talent of The West African Drum and Dance Ensemble in remarkable! It was the opening musical act for Tina Turner and the Rolling Stones in New York, and the group travels extensively around the world. These artists will be bringing a sample of village life to St. George with its celebratory infectious rhythms, song and dance together with the exotic flavors of authentic West African cuisine.
The troupe is comprised of: Lasana Kouyate (master balafon player), from Guinea; Ahmadou Fall (master of the Kora—a delicate stringed instrument), from Senegal; Bara Mboup, also from Senegal, master of the djembe drum and sabar, who recently performed for Stevie Wonder and is a percussion soloist on many CD recordings. Faly Sydy is a master drummer from the Fulani Tribe, Senegal. Adama Ken Doumbia and Ahmeena(male and female dancers) are from the Bambara Tribe, Mali.
“Our mission,” says Gaston, “is to raise awareness of our traditional culture, and keep it alive by bringing joy and success to the orphans at the Ecole de Dance et d’Exchange Culturell in the city of Abidjan in my native Ivory Coast. All our efforts are to bless these children over there who learn dance at the Rose Mary Guiraud School. We invite all people to plwase enjoy with us ‘The Spirit of Togetherness,’ a celebration of artistic expression, and add to the efforts and success of the students and the school. We look forward to seeing you soon!”
Award-winning British keyboardist and composer Melissa Vardey (resident entertainer for the American Embassy in London, England, and accompanist for Chaka Khan and Rod Stewart) will be making a guest musical appearance.
These performances are usually booking into big cities, but now this style of culture is being made available to Southern Utah. Public support for these events is vital. We encourage your presence. Contact ARTé Gallery for tickets at 435-862-0303, or visit our facebook page (Arte-Art-Gallery)
Donors and sponsors for this event are invited to support their efforts.
Phil and Brenda Moulton
ARTé Gallery
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