Slices of life, both written and photographed.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Drumming, Dancing, and Singing

 

 

One of the most wonderful aspects of summertime is finding  all kinds of activities including concerts, plays, and other events to attend.

Many of them are even free or low cost.


 

Reading the newspaper,  there was a blurb about a world music concert by Gaia Roots World Music Drum and Dance Ensemble. 

They perform in many towns throughout western Massachusetts.  

 

 The performance I really wanted to attend was outside on a lawn near a small town library.

It was a hot day but not horrendously uncomfortable.  

Luckily, there was a bench in the shade with a good view of the musicians so it wasn't even necessary to open up the soft folding chair carried to the event.


 

The group noted it blends "drumming, vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, dance, and story into a unique weave of traditional music and original creations."

The free program was inspired by "roots music from West Africa, the Caribbean, and around the world." 

 Donations were accepted and well-deserved.

The hour the musicians performed was immensely pleasurable and entertaining.

Gaia Roots are definitely professionals who make audience members feel welcome and totally entertained.  

It will definitely go down as one of this summer's entertainment  highlights.

The male dancer, whose moves were electrifying, was from Guinea.

 

At times, he even waved hand-held objects made from horse hair tails.  

He said they have been used to whisk flies away but also to purify an area.

WHAT KINDS OF EVENTS DO YOU ENJOY GOING TO IN THE SUMMER?


3 comments:

diane stetson said...

Great Photos Susan. Well Sunday I went to see the musical Beauty and the Beast. Next week I'm going to see Camelot. I love seeing live performances especially musicals.

Red Rose Alley said...

These musicians look like a fun and entertaining group playing good music. How interesting to hear about the horse tails. I'm glad you found a shady spot to listen to them for awhile, Susan. Back in my hometown, there was the Greek festival, which I attended every year, and after the dinner, they would play music, and people could dance. It was a special time, and I was always glad to be part of that heritage. I would have loved to see the dancer you saw from Guinea with the electrifying moves. : )

~Sheri

Shug said...

Hey Susan....Glad you found you a bench with a good shade and could enjoy the music somewhat comfortably. There are so many talented people in this world and it is even a bonus when you have those that perform from their cultures. I enjoyed the photos.

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