The Colonial Presents The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa
Pittsfield – The Colonial Theatre will present The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa directed by Bamba Dembele, star of the Super Rail Band of Bamako, and percussionist in the Super Djata band Karkar, on October 15th at 7:30PM.Prior to the performance, starting at 6PM in the Colonial lobby, there will be a performance by Youth Alive, authentic West African crafts and food, and representatives from local organizations that support immigrant communities in the Berkshires.
Tickets for the performance range from $25-$35 and can be purchased in person at The Colonial Theatre Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2, by calling (413) 997-4444 or 24/7 online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org
“Fantastic! Never before has such a rich and colorful ensemble visited the UK from the shores of Africa.” – London Times
Founded in 1985, The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa is an internationally respected musical ensemble from Mali that has toured extensively in Europe and is renowned for its accomplished performances. Dressed in colorful costumes, this extraordinary group of traditional West African percussionists, musicians and dancers creates a modern ballet of music and movement. The troup performs with many instruments, including the Kora, N’Goni, the Balaphon, Djembe, Doundouns and flute, using all the musical styles of Mali: peul, malinke, sénoufo, bambaramore.
In Europe in particular The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa has become known to lovers of Sahel music. This orchestra has given many concerts in France, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Antilles, etc. And like all other rivers, the Ensemble has its own tributaries, which endow it with strength and pride.
The famous singer Oumou Sangare, for instance, started her professional career with this orchestra, and so did Toumany Diabate, the prince of Kora.
This international program features the opening ensemble of musicians, singers and dancers performing traditional Malian music mainly from Peuhl, Bambara and Mandingo, traditional Griotic songs with percussion and dances that talk about traditional value of the rural life and the place of the women in Malian society, and a closing finale with all performers with three singers.
The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa is the second of six programs in the popular International Discovery Series.
Pre-Performance West African Celebration
The Colonial will host a West African celebration before the performance. Starting at 6PM, the public is welcome to join in celebrating West African culture and the immigrant community in the Berkshires while enjoying native food and crafts. There will be representatives from the Berkshire Immigrant Center, the United Africans of the Berkshires, Office of Cultural Development, Pittsfield Youth Commission, Youth Alive, the Barka Foundation and other local vendors.
To Purchase Tickets for The Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa
Tickets range from $25-$35 and can be purchased in person at The Colonial Theatre Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-2, by calling (413) 997-4444 or 24/7 online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org
