Musical Raindrops: Songs, Stories & Dances from Zimbabwe

The refreshing sound of Zimbabwean marimbas - metal keys mounted on a hardwood soundboard - and other unusual instruments are the centerpiece of "Musical Raindrops: Songs, Stories & Dances from Zimbabwe." The Masanga Marimba ensemble directed by Dr. Ric Alviso brings this interactive event to the Ford's Big!World!Fun! family series. This season's family performances are inspired by the four elements - earth, air, fire, water - and science-based crafts and fun begin at 9:00 a.m.

"Musical Raindrops" is rooted in the culture of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. Dr. Alviso - a Cal State Northridge ethnomusicologist, professor of World Music, and the director of the CSUN African Music Ensemble - studied African music in Senegal and Zimbabwe for two years. The program includes songs for marimba, drums, percussion and voice and stories about animals. Two other rarely encountered Zimbabwean instruments, in addition to the marimba, will be heard: mbira (thumb piano) and chipendani (mouth bow). Children in attendance will have a chance to learn some of steps from Zimbabwean dances and come up on stage to play the marimbas with the ensemble at the end of the program

Event date: July 25, 2009

Event time: 9am - 11am 

This event will be held at the Ford Amphitheatre 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, CA 90068.

Click here for more information about this series.

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