The 17th annual Tamarack Hollow Berkshire Drum and Dance Fest
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WINDSOR, Mass. — The 17th annual Tamarack Hollow Berkshire Drum and Dance Fest Saturday Oct. 17 at the Windsor Town Hall in Windsor featuring multi-level drum, song and cultural classes with master drummer and cultural ambassador of the Malinke people Namory Keita from Sangbarala, Guinea, West Africa and guest dancer and drummer Seny Daffe also from Guinea.
Plus, a community performance and interactive dance class featuring Namory Keita, Seny Daffe, Aimee Gelinas and Dan Cohen with members of Gaia Roots, the Berkshire and Valley Rhythm Keepers, Offbeat Womyn Drummers and guests TBA.
This year's fest theme is "Honoring the Traditions."
Drum classes from 10:30-12 (space available) & 1-2:30 Intergenerational, multi-level drum class with Namory Keita (registration required, email aimee@gaiaroots.com to register and for fee info and drum rentals)
3pm Intergenerational community concert and interactive community dance class featuring Namory Keita, Seny Daffe, Aimee Gelinas, Dan Cohen members of Gaia Roots, the Berkshire and Valley Rhythm Keepers and the Offbeat Womyn Drummers. $20+ suggested donation at the door, walk ins welcome for this portion of the event only.
The drum fest is an annual community experience to gather and celebrate in the spirit of the drum. Drum classes will be led by master drummer & djembe fola Namory Keita from Sangbarala, Guinea, West Africa, with master dancer and drummer Seny Daffe from Guinea. Aimee Gelinas is a master woman drummer who has been performing, teaching and studying West African and Caribbean drumming, singing and culture for over 30 years. She co-founded the group Gaia Roots in the 90's with co-founder Shanti Starr to empower women in drumming. Aimee and Dan lead the community drum groups the Berkshire & Valley Rhythm Keepers comprised of multi-generational drummers from age teens to seniors.
Fest proceeds will support the drum fest artists and the Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center's year-round environmental education for all ages, the "Raise the Roof" fund to complete the in process building of our sustainable nature and cultural education center and to continue to conserve 88 acres of highland boreal forest in Windsor for future generations.
Tamarack Hollow is a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit organization whose mission is to “Inspire environmental and cultural awareness, appreciation and stewardship”. Visit the website or Facebook event page for more info. The fest will also include crafts and a bake sale. To make a donation to Tamarack Hollow visit our website: www.tamarackhollownatureandculturalcenter.org
Email Director Aimee Gelinas at aimee@gaiaroots.com to register for drum classes. Registration required for drum classes.
