Although the coronavirus likely prevents us from presenting Music Beyond Borders this summer, we thought you might enjoy revisiting some of the wonderful moments from past performances.
For 10 years, Music Beyond Borders, a collaboration between Morris Arts and Mayo Performing Arts Center has offered this summer series of free outdoor programs of world music and dance….bringing a taste of cultures from six continents to summer lunchtimes on the Morristown Green.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and sample some of the past delights of Music Beyond Borders – Feraba presented West African Drumming and Dance on July 25, 2017
Feraba’s Ismael Kouyate, from a family of renowned griots in Guinea, West Africa, demonstrates his prowess as a dancer, drummer and singer.
Ismael Kouyate sings and dances accompanied by Irene Koloseus, Andy Algire and Dekom Bembele, below:
July 25, 2017: Féraba: West African dance, drumming and tap dancing
JerseyArts.com has a terrific feature article on Feraba and Music Beyond Borders HERE. and check out the post performance coverage – with photos and videos – by MorristownGreen.com HERE.
Our audiences explored the universal language of rhythm with this unique, award-winning multi-ethnic group. Féraba fuses traditional sounds and movements of West Africa with American tap dance, hip-hop and jazz, performing on international radio/TV, at Lincoln Center, Town Hall and throughout USA, Europe and West Africa. The group includes Master Drummers percussionists/balafonists and dancers from Guinea, West Africa whose talents highlight the unique ability of rhythm as a means of promoting tolerance and cultural understanding. Fabled dancer Gregory Hines states, “I am so impressed. I have never seen anything like this!”www.feraba.com; Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmj3hev2bCc
On July 25, 2017, hundreds enjoyed the fascinating rhythms and high energy dancing of Feraba, learning some new steps and songs along the way!
Here are some additional VIDEOS from Feraba’s performance:
Irene Koloseus (with help from Andy Algire and Ismael Kouytae) leads a tap dancing lesson for some young volunteers.
Call and Response singing with young helpers in the rhythm section.
Nene Camara showcases West African Dance (with Irene Koloseus and kids from the audience) while young audience members try their hands at African rattles.
Here are some PHOTOS from Feraba’s performance:
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- Feraba: Andy Algire, Dekom Dembele, Irene Koloseus, Ismael Kouyate
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- Dekom Dembele, master drummer
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- Dekom Dembele drumming around the Green
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- Dekom Dembele demonstrates his drumming skills
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- audience is fascinated by Dekom’s drumming
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- Have drums will travel
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- Ismael Kouyate teaches African dance steps
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- Enthralled audience
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- Feraba ensemble performing
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- Ismael Kouyate, Irene Koloseus, Dekom Dembele and Andy Algire
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- West African percussion rattles
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- the underside resonators of a balaphon