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Also this issue: El Vez X-Mas Show Friends Celebration Holiday Stress, Holiday Blues: How to Cope Peek-A-Boo Revue |
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December 5-11, 2002
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Forget the holiday rush, this weekend presents an opportunity to soak up African culture. For an intimate, low-key gathering, try to catch Mogauwane Mahloele, giving a solo performance at the Riverbend, using instruments he crafts himself in the centuries-old traditions of his musical clan, the Ba-Pedi of South Africa. The show will be preceded by his discussion of the history and social aspects of traditional African percussion. Alternatively, for a huge, pan-African party, take part in the multifaceted event known as Philly Dance Africa. Deborah Kodish, director of the Philadelphia Folklore Project, one of the event's sponsors, explains that PDA evolved "organically over the years, from our work documenting music and dance in the various communities in the city." Philadelphia is especially blessed with recently arrived Africans, many of whom were musicians and dancers in their homeland, but here drive cabs and attend parking lots. Kodish states, "We wanted to see that the traditions continued. The communities themselves were very enthusiastic." The first PDA was organized to expose the talent the Folklore Project was uncovering. Each PDA has been different, benefiting from community input; the Folklore Project has sponsored a PDA stage at the Odunde Festival in Philadelphia for the last few years. This year, for the first time, the Ga people of Ghana will hold an honoring ceremony for founders and leaders of the Imhotep Charter School in Oak Lane, recognizing them as ceremonial leaders and elders of that tribe. After the ritual, the Kulu Mele African American Dance ensemble, Kormassa Bobo and the Liberian National Cultural Ambassadors, Tamara Xavier and Congolese ensemble Lisanga Ya Bana Kin will take the stage.
Sat., Dec. 7, dinner/reception, 5:30 p.m.; discussion with scholars, 7 p.m.; traditional Ga ceremony, 8 p.m., followed by performances, $15-$50, International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Call Folklore Project for info and tickets at 215-468-9700, www.folkloreproject.org.
Sun., Dec. 8, workshop, 3:30 p.m.; concert, 6 p.m., $5-$20, Riverbend Environmental Education Center,1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne, 610-527-5234, www.riverbendeec.org.
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