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An African Awakening!


Much of the impetus behind developing An Arts Awakening comes from my visits to Africa (South Africa and Zimbabwe).  During my travels there, I learned so much about how Africans embrace the arts as intricate parts of their individual lives, as community builders and as social justice markers.

(updated 3 Mar 2006) I experienced an arts awakening in Africa, and it has shaped my life and ministry!  My first journey to the continent of Africa took place in Dec 2000.  I arrived in South Africa and was positively overwhelmed with the soul of South Africa:  the wild drumbeats, the multi-layered harmonies, the unabashed dancing, the rainbow of artistic flavors!

I returned to South Africa in Dec 2004 and learned what I feel I had subconsciously gleaned from my first visit.  For many Africans, the arts are not afterthoughts...art is life and life is art.  Waking up in the morning, going to work, walking to school, grieving a lost loved one, taking a stand for equality...these actions become the next song on the lips, or painted image on the wall or passionately delivered monologue.  Eating, sleeping, breathing...

THE RHYTHM OF LIFE...A POWERFUL BEAT!  What a lovely way to live...

(below)  Posing with Patrick Matsikenyiri in Mutare, Zimbabwe; click on the image for more about this talented and international musician!


 

 
   
 

Music & Theatre with Senior Adults:

Over the past few months (Summer 2009), I've been working on several projects with the senior adults at Quarry Station:

*Music Appreciation sessions:  Led by retired musician Myron McKitrick, residents have been meeting to discuss music and how it impacts their lives.  Recently, the group finished viewing "The Music Instinct - Science and Song" (www.pbs.org/wnet/musicinstinct/) a PBS documentary that offers a new as well as enhanced perspective on music and humanity.  Next, a survey based on this program will be offered to all residents to complete; it involves asking questions about the importance of music in each participant's life.

*QUARTZ - Theatre by senior adults  A small of residents is now rehearsing a reader's theatre production of the first act of "The Queen of BINGO."  They will present their program next month!

 An Open Door Concert for Wesley Housing

Featuring solo pianist, David Nevue (www.davidnevue.com)

Fri., May 16, 2008 * 7:30 p.m.

Centreville United Methodist Church (www.centreville-umc.org)

All proceeds go to the work of Wesley Housing (www.wesleyhousing.org), offering affordable housing in the Northern Virginia area.