April 5, 2013 9:00 PM Los Amigos Invisibles at World Cafe Live PHL

Los Amigos Invisibles
Since their first album in 1995, Los Amigos Invisibles have developed a sound based on the "gozadera" – an irresistible fusion of Latin rhythms with fiery funk and lounge music. The band got their first break when David Byrne (Talking Heads) discovered one of their albums by chance in a Manhattan record shop. He immediately called the band up in their native Venezuela and soon after, signed them to his label: Luaka Bop. Byrne opened doors for the band across the globe and Los Amigos Invisibles soon became an international touring machine.

Los Amigos Invisibles moved to New York City from their hometown of Caracas in 2001 and entrenched themselves in the local scene. With their electrifying live show, the group began building a considerable fan-base across the U.S. collaborating with artists such as Louie Vega (Masters At Work), Dimitri From Paris, Natalia Lafourcade, Cachorro López and Jorge Gonzalez, among others. Los Amigos Invisibles were able to establish themselves in the international dance music scene and expand their sound, while raking in Grammy nominations year after year and performing all over the globe as well as on television shows like The Jimmy Kimmel Show.

In the last few years, they have established their own record label – Gozadera Records – and have tightened their hooks and focused their songs, recording their most accessible work yet.

Los Amigos Invisibles have toured in over 60 countries. Their latest release, 'Commercial,' was awarded a Latin GRAMMY for "Best Alternative Album"; the band's fifth-career GRAMMY Nomination. They have recorded six studio albums, one live DVD/CD, have set up a record label and have been in the music business for eighteen years with high hopes to continue doing what they love for years to come.

April 1, 2013 Puerto Rican Music Classes Spring Schedule

March 30, 2013 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM PhillyBloco's CD Release Party at World Cafe Live PHL

Saturday, March 30, 2013
Doors: 9:00 pm / Show: 10:00 pm
World Cafe Live Philadelphia
$15.00 + Processing Fees
Tickets
This event is 21 and over
All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges. Cameras & recording devices are not permitted. Showtime and supporting acts are subject to change.

Mezzanine tickets are assessed an additional service fee. For more information, please read the Mezzanine FAQ.

Dining is available at World Cafe Live. Reservations are accepted for Upstairs Live, our full service restaurant; we recommend scheduling a reservation 1½ to 2 hours before show time. Downstairs Live offers a full service bar, and a limited food menu is available for most shows. For more information, please read the Dining FAQ.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE SEATS are located on all seated levels of this theatre. For more information, please contact us at ticketingstaff@worldcafelive.com or call 215-222-1400.

March 29 and 30, 2013 8:00 PM African Rhythms Presents: Ukudansa - Celebration of Time

African Rhythms Presents: Ukudansa - Celebration of Time
Friday, March 29, 2013, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday, March 30, 2013, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, March 30, 2013, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

March 29, 2013 9:00 PM Alô Brasil at Underground Arts

Alô Brasil's The Underground Series
The next installment of Alo Brasil's musical transcendence. Come and enjoy all the energy and passion of one of the most
dynamic musical groups in the Philadelphia area in a new streamlined lineup!
Food and drink specials designed for the night!
$10 cover / 21+

March 29, 2013 7:00 PM March Tertulia: "Spanish Mothers and Daughters" at Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas

To continue celebrating Women's History Month, March's Tertulia will focus on Spanish Mothers and Daughters!

Dr. Arancha Borrachero from The City University of New York (CUNY) will lead the night’s program with information from her ongoing research which explores the varying societal, cultural, and political perspectives of Spanish women who grew up during the Franco dictatorship and the daughters they had during this time period.

The event will be held in the Crane Old School White Space. Doors open at 7:00 PM; light refreshments will be served.

Program cost is a suggested $10 donation.

For more information, contact Raíces at: (215) 425-1390 or info@raicesculturales.org

March 22 and 23, 2013 7:30 and 10:00 PM Urban Guerilla Orchestra at Warmdaddy's

UGO at Warmdaddy's
Simply put, an extraordinary performance is one that gives people a night to remember. The Urban Guerilla Orchestra will make the perfect edition to our line up by providing Philadelphia’s best musical sound, hands down. The Urban Guerilla Orchestra can do this by having the best musical line up in Philadelphia, featuring musicians who performed with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Boyz II Men, Alicia Keys, The Roots and countless others. Under the leadership of the music industry veteran Henri McMillian Jr. UGO’s high energy will resonate your night from start to finish by featuring their musically diverse styles that feature sophisticated jazz, Motown classics, R+B, funk, to today’s top hits.
$15.
Warmdaddy's
1400 Columbus blvd at Reed Street
Philadelphia Pa 19147

March 22 - 25, 2013 7:30 PM Intensive Seminar in Villa Urquiza-Style Tango

The Philadelphia Argentine Tango School is very proud to present an Intensive Seminar in Villa Urquiza-Style Tango taught by Carlos Perez & Rosa Forte from March 22 to 25, 2013. Arguably the most important teaching couple in the tango world, Carlos & Rosa have trained 6 of the last 7 couples to win the World Tango Championship in the Salon Category. They are sought out by professionals, aspiring professionals and amateurs alike for their unparalleled knowledge of Villa Urquiza-style tango. Villa Urquiza style holds tango's guarded secrets about how to make the dance look seamless, elegant and harmonious. By studying Villa Urquiza style in general, and by studying with Carlos & Rosa in particular, students gain the knowledge and technique necessary to imbue their dance with elegance and grace, no matter what style of tango they prefer.

Prominent students of Carlos & Rosa include: Pablo Rodríguez y Noelia Hurtado, Dante Sanchez e Ines Muzzopappa, Francisco Forquera y Natalia Hills and Fabián Peralta y Natacha Poveraj, among many, many more.

Carlos & Rosa have been dancing for over 50 years, have taught all over Europe and Asia, and are among the most highly respected teachers in their home city of Buenos Aires, but they have never before taught in the United States. We are extremely honored to have helped organize their first tour to the US and to be able to bring them to Philadelphia.
SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION INFO

FRIDAY, MARCH 22
7:30-9 pm: Foundational Elements – The Elegant & Functional Embrace and The Walk, Tango's Heartbeat (All levels)
Location: Philadelphia Argentine Tango School

SATURDAY, MARCH 23
1-2:30 pm: The Breathing Dance – Cadencia & Musicality
3-4:30 pm: Time Capsule – A Glimpse into the Way Tango was Danced during the 1950s, the “Golden Age” of Tango
Location: Ruba Club

8:30-9:30 pm: Pre-Milonga Class (Taught by Adam Hoopengardner)
9:30 pm-3 am: Milonga Qilombo featuring a performance by Carlos & Rosa Perez and with DJ Adam Hoopengardner
Location: Philadelphia Argentine Tango School

SUNDAY, MARCH 24
2-3:30 pm: Canyengue – The Predecessor of Milonga
4-5:30 pm: Pauses – How, When & Where
Location: First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

MONDAY, MARCH 25
7-8:30 pm: Technique & Adornments for Women Combined with Technique & Elegance for Men (Int/Adv)
8:30-10 pm: Common Figures & Sequences in Villa Urquiza-Style Tango (Int/Adv)
10 pm-midnight: Open Practice Space
Location: Philadelphia Argentine Tango School

Carlos & Rosa will be teaching in New Jersey, organized by Vittoria Natale & Guillermo Elkouss from March 16-20. Registrants who buy full passes to the events in both New Jersey and Philadelphia will receive 20% off both packages.
[Description]

The Philadelphia Argentine Tango School is very proud to present an Intensive Seminar in Villa Urquiza-Style Tango taught by Carlos Perez & Rosa Forte from March 22 to 25, 2013. Arguably the most important teaching couple in the tango world, Carlos & Rosa have trained 6 of the last 7 couples to win the World Tango Championship in the Salon Category. They are sought out by professionals, aspiring professionals and amateurs alike for their unparalleled knowledge of Villa Urquiza-style tango. Villa Urquiza style holds tango's guarded secrets about how to make the dance look seamless, elegant and harmonious. By studying Villa Urquiza style in general, and by studying with Carlos & Rosa in particular, students gain the knowledge and technique necessary to imbue their dance with elegance and grace, no matter what style of tango they prefer.

Prominent students of Carlos & Rosa include: Pablo Rodríguez y Noelia Hurtado, Dante Sanchez e Ines Muzzopappa, Francisco Forquera y Natalia Hills and Fabián Peralta y Natacha Poveraj, among many, many more.

Carlos & Rosa have been dancing for over 50 years, have taught all over Europe and Asia, and are among the most highly respected teachers in their home city of Buenos Aires, but they have never before taught in the United States. We are extremely honored to have helped organize their first tour to the US and to be able to bring them to Philadelphia.

Much more information is available at http://philadelphiatangoschool.com/carlos-rosa.html

SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION INFO

FRIDAY, MARCH 22
7:30-9 pm: Foundational Elements – The Elegant & Functional Embrace and The Walk, Tango's Heartbeat (All levels)
Location: Philadelphia Argentine Tango School

SATURDAY, MARCH 23
1-2:30 pm: The Breathing Dance – Cadencia & Musicality
3-4:30 pm: Time Capsule – A Glimpse into the Way Tango was Danced during the 1950s, the “Golden Age” of Tango
Location: Ruba Club

8:30-9:30 pm: Pre-Milonga Class (Taught by Adam Hoopengardner)
9:30 pm-3 am: Milonga Qilombo featuring a performance by Carlos & Rosa Perez and with DJ Adam Hoopengardner
Location: Philadelphia Argentine Tango School

SUNDAY, MARCH 24
2-3:30 pm: Canyengue – The Predecessor of Milonga
4-5:30 pm: Pauses – How, When & Where
Location: First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

MONDAY, MARCH 25
7-8:30 pm: Technique & Adornments for Women Combined with Technique & Elegance for Men (Int/Adv)
8:30-10 pm: Common Figures & Sequences in Villa Urquiza-Style Tango (Int/Adv)
10 pm-midnight: Open Practice Space
Location: Philadelphia Argentine Tango School

Carlos & Rosa will be teaching in New Jersey, organized by Vittoria Natale & Guillermo Elkouss from March 16-20. Registrants who buy full passes to the events in both New Jersey and Philadelphia will receive 20% off both packages.

VENUE ADDRESSES

Philadelphia Argentine Tango School
2030 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia PA 19125

Ruba Club
414 Green St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia
2125 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 - Please use the side entrance on Van Pelt St. Ring the buzzer marked "weekend."

ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK


PRICING
Full Seminar (All Workshops plus Milonga & Pre-Milonga Class): $160
Weekend Pass (Saturday/Sunday Workshops plus Milonga & Pre-Milonga Class): $120
Saturday Workshops: $60
Sunday Workshops: $60
Monday Workshops: $60
Any Single Workshop: $35
All packages are available with pre-registration by March 16 only. After March 16, workshops may only be purchased singly at the door, in cash, at full price.

DISCOUNTS
** Full-time students receive 20% off any registration option. You must bring a student ID to all activities if you take this discount.
** Those who purchase the Full Pass to the events with Carlos & Rosa in both New Jersey and Philadelphia will receive 20% off both full pass packages. Please register through our website, paying full price, and then send us proof of your registration for the New Jersey events. We will then refund your credit card 20% of the amount paid.

OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
Limited housing may be available in the homes of local tangueros. Please contact Meredith Klein at meredithklein@gmail.com as soon as possible to inquire about housing possibilities.
Philadelphia Argentine Tango School
2030 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125

March 22, 2013 7:30 PM Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center

Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra
Friday, March 22nd, 2013, 7:30pm
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 North Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
1 hour with intermission
Ages 7 and up

Tickets $7-$10, $1 off for members
FOUR TRADITIONS, ONE VOICE. A high-energy celebration of polyphonic rhythms, Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra unifies four percussion batteries into one distinct voice: North Indian tabla, Afro Cuban bata, Brazilian samba and West African djembe. They link the past and the present, the sacred and the secular with a symphonically textured fusion of traditional and contemporary drumming and choral compositions. Spoken Hand is a two-time winner of Philadelphia City Paper’s “Best World Music/Roots Performance.” Check out Spoken Hand’s Web site

March 22, 2013 8:00 PM Freshlyground at World Cafe Live PHL

Freshlyground
Beyond eclecticism for its own sake, the seven-piece, multi-generational, and multi-ethnic Freshlyground bring together easy-going hipsters and scene veterans, fiery singers and cool production. An unexpected sensation in South Africa, the unlikely pop stars landed on the charts out of the blue. They joined a shimmying Shakira on the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)."

Now, they explore the full, powerful possibilities of their collective pasts on their latest album, Radio Africa. And the group's bountiful diversity will hit North America (including New York, San Francisco, DC, Philly, Montreal, Vancouver) for the first time, as the group tours in June and July, in a live show bursting with bold energy, wry humor, and skillful spontaneity.

Freshlyground—whose name evokes the fresh mix of just-crushed herbs—fearlessly dives into crates of traditional instruments, pointed political critique, poetry notebooks, and well-loved Southern African pop forms. They channel the sunny openness of hip Cape Town and the intense energy of singing ancestors. The mix is catchy, driving, and refreshingly upbeat, even when songs take aim at social ills and the folly of misguided politicians.


Freshlyground's new album will be released on March 12, 2013!

March 17, 2013 11:20 to 12:40 PM Brazilian Samba Dance Class with Angelica Cassimiro at The Performance Garage

COME TO SAMBA DANCE CLASS W/ ANGELICA CASSIMIRO
SUNDAY MARCH 17th, 2013 SAMBA NO PE (Solo Samba) ALL Levels- 11:20am -12:40pm
80min class-$15
The Performance Garage
1515 Brandywine St.
Philadelphia Pa

******(CASH ONLY PLEASE)******

*The class starts with a 25-minute warm up that exercises basic isolation of the body, following by stretching and strengthening exercises. After the warm up, Angelica introduces the students samba no pé (basic samba step) and passo marcado (simple choreographies) typical of the Rio Carnaval. The whole class happens in the sound of
the upbeat and irresistible Brazilian music. Be ready to sweat!! ;)

Hope to see you soon and SAMBA SAMBA SAMBA!!!

*Come with comfortable clothes and be prepared to be barefoot

****Classes don't happen weekly at the time because this young dance artist is always on the go. However, Samba is so fun that there is always some time to share! Be sure to spread the word and experience these classes while you can.

*******more DATES coming SOON stay tuned*******

March 16, 2013 6:00 PM Bésame Brew featuring Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours at The Painted Bride

Saturday, March 16, 2013 | 6pm
Bésame Brew featuring Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours
$100 full evening affair


*MUAH*

Join us for our second annual fundraiser, Bésame Brew, honoring our Jazz on Vine music series. Headlined by Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours, Bésame Brew will celebrate an incredible 40 year roster of jazz artists and great music experiences. Enjoy live music and art, a Silent Auction & raffle, jazz karaoke, salsa dance instruction, dinner and drinks, while helping to support the unique role the Painted Bride has plays in supporting musicians in Philadelphia and beyond. This is a party with a purpose, and if you attended Black Cat Brew last spring, you KNOW this is an event not to be missed.

Dance and theater: Koresh Dance Company, Arden Theater, Ballet X, JUNK, Interact Theater, Wilma Theater…

Restaurants: Aldo Lamberti, Plough and the Stars, Race St. Café, Franklin Fountain, Gift basket from Little Baby’s Ice Cream

Health and Beauty: Philly Power Yoga/Thrive Pilates, Yogalina, Balance Health Center, Crimson Hair Studio…

Adventures to: Please Touch Museum, National Constitution Center, bowling party for 8 at Lucky Strike, one night stay at Hotel Palomar or Hotel Monaco, Private tour and tasting at Flying Fish Brewery, Taiwan style dinner at the home of Ken Metzner and Kun-Yang Lin…

We are raffling an engraved 8GB iPod Touch filled with Bride music! Get your raffle tickets today to win this one of a kind prize. Winner will be announced at our Bésame Brew. 1 ticket for $5, 3 tickets for $10, 7 tickets for $20

March 16, 2013 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM Isla Verde "Mega" Birthday Bash

March 12 - 17, 2013 "FELA!" at the Merriam Theater with Workshop on March 12, 2013

Double click on flyer to enlarge.FELA!, the joyous dance, theater, music spectacle, has thrilled audiences in three continents. The Tony Award® winner, directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones explores the extravagant world of Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. FELA! comes to the Merriam Theater following its sold-out run at London's prestigious National Theatre where The Guardian's Michael Billington exclaimed, 'It breaks down conventional barriers between stage and auditorium and joins passion and politics. The dancing is ecstatic, the music lifts the spirits, and the stage is alive with movement.' After Ben Brantley of the New York Times raved, 'There should be dancing in the streets!' Bill T. Jones earned a Tony Award® for Best Choreographer. He was also given the Astaire Award and received a 2010 Kennedy Center Honor along with Oprah Winfrey.

'THE HOT (AND SERIOUSLY COOL) ENERGY that comes from the musical gospel preached by the title character of FELA! Feels as if it could stretch easily to the borders of Manhattan and then across a river or two. There should be dancing in the streets!' - Ben Brantley, New York Times
Merriam Theater
Tuesday, March 12 7:30pm
Wednesday, March 13 7:30pm
Thursday, March 14 7:30pm
Friday, March 15 8pm
Saturday, March 16 2pm
Saturday, March 16 8pm
Sunday, March 17 1pm
Sunday, March 17 6:30pm
"FELA!"

March 10, 2013 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM Leana Song Workshop and Concert at Underground Arts

Leana Song is keeping the vibe alive and has joined forces with the Philadelphia Folksong Society, and is so happy to offer a WORKSHOP and PERFORMANCE with Leana Song at Underground Arts this Sunday March 10th. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes. Kids welcome for workshop with someone over 21+!

get tix here:

If you would like to participate in the workshop, please arrive at 4pm, before the concert, and feel free to bring your hand drum.

Workshop-4:00pm (Free for PFS members/$5 for guests)

Concert-7:00pm (Free for PFS members/$10 for guests)

Underground Arts-1200 Callowhill St. Philadelphia-Ages 21+

March 10, 2013 9:00PM "M is For Musica" at The Legendary Dobbs

Any given Sunday night (usually the 2nd or 3rd of the month), walk in to this legendary rock club and you are transported to the B-side of Latinoamerica. Admission paid, you notice the reputable faces on the walls – those who might be called ‘legends’. Green Day. Pearl Jam. The Specials. Nirvana. But then your senses adjust to the atmosphere – this ain’t no regular gathering. So many shades, so many accents, so many identities are noticed almost immediately. Preppies, cholos, pin-up girls, punks, headbangers, bachateros, b-girls, hipsters. Your mind scrambles to try and keep up: cumbia, electropunk, jazzy hiphop, discopunk, dub & ska, salsa, mambo thrash. A raucous soundtrack to the buzzing bilingual rumble of the crowd, you zone out of your body: is this Philadelphia? Tijuana? Panama? It’s when the stage lights up, you get it. It’s the music.


AFROTAINO PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
M IS FOR MUSICA
PHILADELPHIA’S ONLY LATINO INDIE SHOWCASE
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2013
PERFORMING LIVE:
PALENKE SOULTRIBE (Afro-Colombian Electro Tribal)
DOCTOR KRAPULA (Ska|Rock)
Doors 8PM; Shows starts 9PM
$8 Admission
21 and over/ID Required
The Legendary Dobbs
304 South Street
Philadelphia

March 10, 2013 5:30 PM Urban Guerilla Orchestra's "A Tribute to Mandrill and The Ohio Players"

March 9, 2013 8:00-9:30 PM Underground at Ron's # 50

Underground at Ron's #50
March 9, 2013
Featuring
MC Comedian - Jennifer Blaine
Performance Artist - The Great Quentini
Singer Songwriter – Ross Goldberg,
Mimes – Laura & Micah Bertin
Percussionist Josh Robinson w/Composer Jeremy Dyen

Wyndmoor, Pa. 19038 Show time ... 8:00P.M. - 9:30P.M.
Community Drum Circle & Potluck ... 7:00P.M. - 7:50P.M.
Reserve now @ 215 233 0777 or ron@musicinthemoment.com
Pay at the door; 24 hr. notice is appreciated for cancellation:
On Street Parking

March 7, 2013 7:30-9:00 PM 6 Class Session of African Drumming with Quint Lange Begins

Hey Folks ... Sign up now for
African Drumming in Wyndmoor with Quint Lange
Ongoing 6 class sessions
The next session will be 3/7, 14, 21, 28, 4/4, 11
$96.00
Thurs. evenings 7:30 - 9:00pm
take place at my home
1012 E Southampton Ave Wyndmoor PA 19038

These classes are open to those with both prior and no prior experience.
You are guaranteed to have fun!
If you've never drummed before give it a try.
What Does The Research Say About Drumming?
Drumming on the Edge of Leadership: Hand Drumming and Leadership Skills for the New Millennium
Edward E. Mikenas PERCUSSIVE NOTES. February 2003.
"Drumming no longer identified solely with Native Americans or Third World indigenes. Research has proven them valuable for a variety of therapies. Drumming has been used in anger management, increasing self-esteem, team building, substance abuse recovery, and developing organizational leadership. Schools and workshops such as the Djembe Institute at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, where master drummers from Africa come to teach, are becoming more commonplace. I believe that the growing interest in both leadership and drumming is not coincidental. Rather, principles unconsciously understood in drumming are consciously demonstrated in leadership."

"Good Vibrations" Interview with David DiLullo (Global Drum Circles) and Rick Allen (Raven Drumand Def Leppard)
"Today, serious research is demonstrating how drumming, particularly in drum circles, produces beneficial results such as antiviral and immunologic effects, stress reduction, better movement after a stroke or neurological disorder, and even reduction in addictive urges. It can enhance motor coordination and attention span, reduce anxiety, and help build relationship skills."
--

Ron Kravitz
ron@musicinthemoment.com
MusicInTheMoment.com
Shrutibox.com
Vocal Groove Improvisations
Community Drum/Music Circle Gatherings
African Drum Classes w/Quint Lange
Music For People
Group Motion
Flute Haven

March 6, 2013 8:30 PM Minas Sextet and Guest Artists at the First Baptist Church

Minas Sextet will be guest artists performing arrangements written by Orlando Haddad
with the 80-man choir from The Orpheus Club

First Baptist Church,
123 S. 17th St.(17th & Sansom)
Philadelphia Pa 19103

March 5, 2013 6-8PM Liberian Artists: Changing the World Through Song

The Philadelphia Folklore Project presents:
LIBERIAN ARTISTS: CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH SONG
Liberian Artists: Changing the World Through Song. Tuesday, March 5, 2013. 6 PM - 8 PM, The Cedar Works, 4919 Pentridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143. (One block south of Baltimore, off of 50th Street.) The program is FREE, however seating is limited. Plan to come a bit early to get a spot.
The Philadelphia Folklore Project presents noted Liberian recording artists and social justice activists in an evening of performance and discussion on Tuesday, March 5th, from 6 PM - 8 PM. The free event was originally scheduled to take place at the Folklore Project, but to accommodate community interest, it has been moved to The Cedar Works, 4919 Pentridge Avenue in West Philadelphia, just around the corner.

The program features Liberian singer/songwriters Fatu Gayflor, Zaye Tete and Tokay Tomah, who will share songs and stories of struggle and hope, and introduce the history and current concerns of the 35,000-strong local Liberian community. To listen to these musicians and to learn more, visit our artists' pages for Gayflor, Tete, and Tomah Also, view a PFP-produced video postcard about Zaye Tete and her work for peace: Thank You, West Africa.

During and immediately after the brutal back-to-back civil wars in their country in the 1980s and 1990s, Liberian artists harnessed the power of music to foster reconciliation. Some, including the artists presented in this program, dedicated their music to peace-building in refugee camps and in their homeland. They have continued to address inequities and violence through song, both in West Africa and here in Philadelphia, ever since.

As a result of the late-20th century turmoil, a number of performers from Liberia's National Cultural Troupe resettled in the Philadelphia region. The three Liberian women featured in this program were singers and dancers in the National Cultural Troupe, as well as renowned recording stars. They continue to draw on their traditions to compose and perform songs reflecting upon their personal and community histories.

Many local Liberians experience anti-immigrant bias, violence, racism, poverty, and deportations. There are high rates of gender violence and sexual assault. People's current circumstances stem in large part from the legacies of war, loss, exile and trauma. These issues are the subjects of these women's concerns, and their art-making.
Fatu Gayflor
The program on March 5th provides a chance to learn about the history and context of their music-making, to enjoy their performances of recent compositions, and to discuss the issues facing the Liberian community and all of us.
Fatu Gayflor was recording an album in the Ivory Coast when war in her homeland of Liberia kept her from returning to her family. In the early 1990s, in exile, Gayflor traveled with the United Nations to refugee camps throughout West Africa, performing as a way of instilling hope in the Liberian refugee population. The World Food Program took Fatu to Milan, Italy, in 1996 to perform with artists from across Africa to publicize the continent's vast hunger crisis. Since moving to the U.S., she continues to compose and perform. Gayflor participated in a 2012 training on peace-building through the arts run by Brandeis University, and was honored that same year with a Leeway Foundation Transformation Award for her decades of art and social change work.Zaye Tete was also a member of Liberia's National Cultural Troupe where she toured as a singer and dancer. Tete was living with her fellow National Cultural Troupe artists just outside the capital of Monrovia when she decided she had to escape the escalating violence. While in a refugee camp in the Ivory Coast, she started a Liberian children's cultural troupe. Tete also traveled from refugee camp to refugee camp, and even crossed back over the border into war-torn Liberia, to sing to soldiers to ask them to put down their weapons. Here in the U.S. she performs at Liberian celebrations and clubs, and continues to compose and record. Her most recent CD, entitled For the Sake of the Children, came out in 2011. She was awarded a Leeway Foundation Art and Change grant in 2009 to teach traditional songs and dances to Liberian American youth. In January, 2013, she returned from a three-week performance tour of Australia
Tokay Tomah started working with the United Nations on disarmament and reconciliation, through music, in the mid-1990s. In addition to her peace-building work, she carried out awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, rape, sexual exploitation and abuse, and other issues, all through performance. She served as the executive director of a Liberian non-governmental organization, Women and Society, advocating for equity for women. She has produced seven CDs, and has been honored with awards from the Musicians' Union of Liberia, Africare Liberia, and the Liberian Ministry of Agriculture. Her 2010 album, Open the Door, shares a message about taking responsibility for one's impact on one's own community. While visiting the United States in 2007, Tomah was a featured speaker on a panel about the relationship between art and war at the University of Maryland. She moved to the United States permanently in 2011, and recorded her latest CD, What You Know About Me, in 2012.