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CLASS: West African Drumming and Dance


  • New Paltz Community Center 3 Veterans Drive New Paltz, NY, 12561 United States (map)

Dive into the culture of West Africa every Sunday afternoon at the Community Center!

Assane Badji Sylla and Momadouba Camara, both originally from Guinea, teach drumming and dance, a practice they say “is healing to the mind and body. When you embrace these activities, it will fill your mind, body, and heart with freedom and blessings.”

Sylla has been playing drums since he was four. He went on to perform with his uncle on the djembe, dundun, kenkeni, and sangban drums, as well as the 21-key balafon, a type of xylophone made with gourds. He also traveled the world as the Director of the Senegalese-based Ballet Bougarabou. Camara is a Grandmaster of the djembe, but also plays many other African drums and instruments. Together they have taught and performed throughout the Hudson Valley for over two decades.

Sundays!

Dates: Sundays, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Admission: $15 per class ($25 for both). $10 for students. No one turned away.

Accessibility: Handicapped parking is available in front of entrance. Ramp leading to entrance. Main hall is on the ground floor. Bathrooms are handicapped accessible. Entrance doors are not automatic. Please call 845-255-2512 if assistance is needed.

Parking: Available in front of the Community Center.

For more information, see their Facebook page.

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June 14

MUSIC: Christine Spero

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June 15

TALK: "Who'll Weep for Me?: The Rise of the Poorhouse System in Ulster County," with Susan Stessin-Cohn