WORLD DRUMS & DANCE CONCERT
Sunday, October 6, 2002
Foy Concert Hall, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA
Our community celebration featured Moe Jerant on a variety of drums from around the world, and Tahya, who combined movements steeped in antiquity with the sounds of finger cymbals, riqq, frame drum and dumbek. Troupe Bannat Tahya opened the concert presenting our percussion processional, a tribute to the time when the drummers were women. Meira, Gloriel, Durga, Electra, Tahya, Monica, and Leticia dressed in long and flowing dresses processed into the concert hall playing the maqsoum rhythm accompanied by Michael MacCubbin, Fabian Gomez, Moe Jerant and Martha Sandefer. In addition, the audience enjoyed guest appearances by Lynne Leopold, performing a tribute to Isadora Duncan, 16-yr. old Shana Thompson reciting poetry by Maya Angelou, Monica McAghon reciting Rumi, Leticia Gomez dancing an Alhambra fusion piece, Sheriza performing a cabaret style drum solo, Omar presenting a theatrical version of the whirling dervish accompanied by live drumming and the debut of the Lehigh Valley Drum Circle Ensemble. The drum ensemble played fanga, a lively yet welcoming ga-roove that inspired the audience to sway in their seats and clap along ~ some folks even danced in the aisles! The concert concluded with guest artist Martha Sandefer leading the entire cast and audience singing "Building a New Way."
Here's what some folks had to say:
"Dear Tahya
Congratulations! It was a beautiful performance and wonderful production! I enjoyed the whole
program.
Thank you for such a good treat!"
"I really enjoyed all the
presentations (and) how you
orchestrated the call to dance. Congrats."
"You make it
look easy, but of course that comes from long practice
and hard work."
"Greetings, Tahya!
Enjoy the glow ~ You did a wonderful job and pulled it off in style! My family members and friends really enjoyed themselves --
Thanks for a wonderful experience!"
E-mail: Tahya@nni.com
610-776-7045
