Morgan Community College (MCC) Center for Arts and Community Enrichment (CACE) will present a free African Drumming Workshop and Exhibition facilitated by Soul Rhythm on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The event will be held on the MCC Fort Morgan campus, 920 Barlow Road, just off the east parking lot in the Poplar Hall courtyard (activities will be moved inside Poplar Hall if weather necessitates it).
Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn about traditional African drumming and experience the vibrant rhythms of African music hands-on from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. (observers are welcome). This will be followed by a drumming exhibition from 2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to sign up at www.morgancc.edu/cace, but walk-ins are welcome.
Soul Rhythm African Drumming LLC., a Colorado-based company, is dedicated to promoting the music and culture of West Africa. Founder Emmanuel Annang from Ghana is a student and performer of West African drums for more than ten years. He brings an energy and spirit to traditional African music that is compelling.
The Soul Rhythm African Drumming Workshop and Exhibition will use the Djembe drum, a rope-tuned skin-covered drum, unique and distinctive in design which is fundamental to its versatile sound. The goblet-shaped body is carved and hollowed from a single piece of tree trunk, played with bare hands. The name of the djembe, according to the Bambara people in Mali, comes from the saying “Anke djé,” which translates to “everyone gather together in peace.”
Local artist, Randolph Torres, who painted a downtown mural as part of HGTV’s Hometown Takeover will attend the event and work on a painting during the concert, reflecting on the music and culture of the day.
MCC CACE offers many free enrichment opportunities throughout the year. For more information about CACE events, contact CACE Coordinator Suzanna Spears at (970) 542-3180 or [email protected]. Additional information about CACE is available at www.morgancc.edu/CACE.
