The Gathering VI:

New York African Chorus EnsemblePresents

THE GATHERING VI: Conversation with an

African Woman A concert of Live African Music, Dance and Art conceived and directed by JOYCE ADEWUMI

Saturday, December 22, 2012 3:00pm I.S. 210, 21st Century Academy for Community Leadership 501-503 West 152nd Street and Amsterdam Ave. New York, NY 10031

This program is supported in part by individual donations, Council Member Robert Jackson, 7th Council District, Speaker Christine Quinn, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Wadada Arts Foundation and the New York City Council. Arik Air is the official airline.

UZOMA

CATERING SERVICES

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Contact us at: (C) 201-686-3482 • (W) 914- 500-8957 Email: wilsonucj@gmail.com.

We are proud to partner with the New York African Chorus Ensemble at this wonderful celebration of our diverse cultures.

WELCOME Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to our 2012 annual concert

“The Gathering VI: Conversation with an African Woman.”

I have often been asked if ancient African beliefs and practices are still relevant in today’s world. My research for this project put me in touch with so many wonderful sages who have further opened my eyes to the wisdom of the Yoruba people, and I am proud to share some of knowledge I’ve acquired with you all today. This project, therefore, provides an opportunity to take a closer look at some ancient Yoruba cultural beliefs and practices so that you, our audience, can conclude for yourselves if these cultural practices are indeed archaic.

We have tried to recreate the traditional African entertainment experience by combining music, dance, art, dialogue and food in a modern Western setting. This collaboration has given us the opportunity to not only remain true to the African sense of community but also help other artists to build new audiences. In Africa we believe that one’s needs are just as important as other people’s.

We are indeed proud to work with Uzoma Catering services which have provided the opportunity for our audience to “taste Nigeria” through the nutritious and delicious samples of the Nigerian cuisines he has provided. The artists JaSon Auguste, Aramide Ferguson, Jonathan Wosu, and Joseph Frantz Sylvester have provided visual representations of Africa. This year, I have been blessed to work with immensely talented singers and dancers without whom this production would have been possible.

We are humbled by the blessings of victory over all the obstacles we have encountered, and grateful for the love that continues to us keep us together in NYACE. We love what we do and we are grateful that you all have come tonight to ensure that we do not perform to an empty hall. With your continued support we look forward to bringing greater “Edutainment” to our community.

As a small arts organization that depends on grants, individual, and corporate donations to survive, this present economy has tested our dedication to our work, and community.

We are immensely grateful to Council member Robert Jackson for the grant which was allocated by the New York City Council for this production. The Department of Cultural Affairs is the wind under our wings and we appreciate all the individual donations and support from Arik Air and all the volunteers who have helped us in one way of the other.

If you, our audience, enjoyed our presentation please consider making a tax deductable donation so that we may continue to produce more entertaining and informative programs for you. Please make all checks payable to the New York African Chorus Ensemble.

Thank you all for coming out tonight to support us. Please enjoy the show.

This program is supported, in part by individual donations, Council Member Robert Jackson, 7th Council District, Speaker Christine Quinn, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council, Arik Air is the official airline of this production.

Joyce Adewumi Founder& President joyce@nyafricanensemble.com 212-862-4858

CONCERT PROGRAM Part I

3:00pm – 3:45pm:

Art exhibition & Reception

Part II

4:00pm:

Concert

OPENING PROCESSION - Music Oriki Osun by- Asabioje Afenapa ISE OLUWA KOLE BAJE O - Traditional Yoruba (Lead singers, Aramide Ferguson, Kirstie Garcia, Diamond Skinner, Sabrina Francis, and Joyce Adewumi) Translation: God’s work cannot be destroyed. What we build together, with love in our hearts can never be destroyed

DANCE TRIBUTE TO OSUN – Ajodun Irunmole (Dancers: Aramide Ferguson, Kirstie Garcia, Eliot Gonzales, Diamond Skinner, Samantha Vasquez) JOWO BA MI SE –Traditional Yoruba (Lead singer- Aramide Ferguson) Translation: : Please do it for me Yeye (Mother) Osun, I have done what I am supposed to do, I have given what I am supposed to give. Please do it for me Yeye (Mother) Osun.

IDE WERE WERE – Traditional Yoruba Translation: The small bangles of Osun; the bangles of the great mother Osun jingles “shekere, shekere, shekere” as she walks. Mother Osun, the Orisa that gives comfort.

IYA – by Ayo Bankole (Soloist- Sabrina Francis) Translation: My mother was my favorite person when I was a child. When I slept she was the one who watched over me. When I woke up, she was the one who carried me. When I was hungry, she was the one that feed me. No one loves me like my mother. No one can provide for me as well as mother those. May God bless you, Mother.

IRE - by Joyce Adewumi Translation: Blessings come to me for the front, back, right and left side

LITHISKHIYA – Zulu: Translation: Give me the keys to my blessings. Let the doors of my blessings be opened now. I am going to dance in celebration of my good fortune.

THE FEATURED ARTISTS JaSon Auguste (United States) JaSon, born of the African Diaspora is a {self taught artist}, who uses multiple mediums and forms in his visual arts. From hand drawings to digital processes to the use of various objects with symbolic and spiritual nature.... wadadaarts.com

Aramide Ferguson (Nigeria) Ararmide Ferguson, born in Nigeria to a Nigerian mother and Scottish father, actress, dancer and artist. With blessings and love Aramide unveils one of her astounding works of art for the first time to the general public today.

Joseph Frantz Sylvester (Haiti) A self taught painter, Joseph gets his inspirations from his childhood memories of Haiti and his mother’s stories about Mermaids who would come ashore from time to time.

Jonathan Wosu (Nigeria) Event Photographer facilitating communication (stock images, travel promoting cards, custom publishing). Phone: 732-668-8083 akwaabanjw@yahoo.com

THE PERFORMERS JOYCE ADEWUMI: Singer, dancer, choreographer, scholar, founder and president of New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc, founder of Celebrate Diversity Celebrate You Festival and CNN Panelist for ‘Embracing Your African Roots.’ Ms. Adewumi has a ten year cumulative experience as a lecturer of music and dance at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, respectively. She has given numerous vocal recitals, premiered several African operas, and choreographed numerous African contemporary dances in Nigeria, United Kingdom, United States and Canada. She is one of the leading African art music interpreters, and perhaps the only singer that has had the privilege to have been coached by most of the principal African art music composers/scholars such as Joshua Uzoigwe, Meki Nzewi, Akin Euba, Samuel Akpabot, and J. H. Kwabena Nketia. Her greatest achievement thus far is the New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc, which affords her the opportunity to combine her love for music, dance, drama, teaching, and community service.

NOLENE ELIZABETH DAVIDSON (singer): A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Nolene started music at a tender age at her family’s music school; the Davidson-Arnold School of Music, where she studied classical piano (practical and theory), voice, elocution and drama. She was very successful in the Trinity College of Music and Royal School of Music examinations, London, England under the distinguished patronage of Queen Elizabeth II. She studied voice with Julliard’s graduate Lorna Mayers, and taught music at the Bennet School of Music, Brooklyn.

ELIOT E. GONZALEZ (singer, dancer): I am an 18 year old man who is currently studying Business Management at Bronx Community College. I am a dancer and a beginner gymnast. I aspire to work for a well known organization such as the United Nations and take my dancing to great heights as well as my gymnastics.

ARAMIDE FERGUSON (singer, dancer) was born to a Nigerian mother and Scottish father. She is a dancer, writer, and actress who has performed in London, Nigeria, and the United States.

SABRINA A. FRANCIS (singer): A Mezzo Soprano of great power and warm timber. She has performed in professional Opera Chorus with NYCOpera, Los Angeles Opera, has sung Flora (La Traviata), Katisha (Mikado), Lily & Maria (Porgy & Bess) with Regional Opera companies. Also teaches Preschool Music & Music Together here in Manhattan.

KIRSTIE GARCIA (singer, dancer): A young 23 year old woman, who has been able to prove herself and others wrong with her talent. She thrives in experiencing new things in life. This young woman won't fully enjoy her goals unless there is a challenge.

JULIO LOPEZ (drummer): A seasoned drummer who has been playing for over 25 years. Specializing in Salsa, Jazz, Merenge, Bolero and other genre of music, Julio currently plays with Touch of Ambiance group and the New York African Chorus Ensemble.

MAIMUNA (singer) is happy to take part in this production.

CHIE MONOE (Pianist): Born in Japan, this extraordinary musician started studying piano from the age of five. She studied various forms of music including Japanese Traditional, Classical, World Music and Jazz, at Tokyo College of Music. Since she moved to New York City she has been expanding her musical knowledge further and performing as a solo artist at various venues. Chie is also a Reiki Master/Teacher. She employs music in her healing sessions to help people relax and attain mind-body harmony. Currently Chie serves as the pianist and associate music director for New York African Chorus Ensemble, and the keyboard player for "BODOMA Garifuna-Japanese Reggae band.

YEMISI NICOLLS (singer) is happy to take part in this production.

SIRLOUIS JONES (singer): is a native of New York (Brooklyn). He is a stage manager, actor, dancer, and singer. Presently SirLouis is the stage manager for the Jazzy Randolph Dancers. He has worked with such companies as the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players, New Federal Theater, National Black Theater, The Cherry Lane Theater and the Castillo Theater, to name a few. SirLouis has worked with Woodie King Jr, Ms. Gertrude Jeanette, Lillie M. Redwood, Kirk Kersey, Clinton Turner Davis and many others. SirLouis is very happy to be a part of the New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc.

DAVID PEREZ (singer): David is a young creative mind whose true passion resides in music. A talented individual who enjoys expressing his ideas whichever way he can, David’s main focus is to experiment with new unique genres of music.

“DR.” AMUN PRUBIA (singer) is a Colon Therapist, nutritionist, chef, counselor, teacher of African dance and yoga, and clothing designer. She has performed at the Town Hall with Reggie Down and Babalon and also took part in the late James Stovall’s “Nativity”.

DIAMOND SKINNER (singer, dancer): Originally from Phoenix, Arizona but migrated to St. Louis, MO to attend Washington University. There she received her BA in African & African American Studies, Theatre and Swahili while performing at school and with the St. Louis Black Rep. She is now pursuing a MA degree at NYU and is grateful for the opportunity to perform with NYACE.

SAMANTHA IRIS VASQUEZ (singer, dancer): I have been dancing ever since I can remember, classically trained in ballet, modern, hip hop, African, Latin dances (i.e. salsa, merengue), and am able to learn any style quickly. Currently attending Bronx Community College, majoring in Performing Arts. I aspire to be a dance teacher and bring dance back into schools.

NI’JA WHITSON (singer, dancer) is an interdisciplinary touring artist and independent choreographer. She has presented work internationally, and has collaborated with world renowned artists including Dianne McIntyre, Sharon Bridgforth, Douglas Ewart, and Darrell Jones. Ni’Ja Whitson has received awards, residencies, and recognition across artistic genres, publishes in print and online journals, and is recognized as a contemporary innovator of the Theatrical Jazz Aesthetic.

ANTHONY F. WOODEN, SR (singer) is the founder of Bokandeye African-American Dance Theater. The company, comprising talented children, teen and adults, is based at the YWCA of Yonkers and at the Kennedy Center in Harlem.

The word “Bokandeye” comes from the Wolof language, spoken throughout the Senegambia region of West Africa. When roughly translated into the English language, Bokandeye means “family”, “from the same mother”, “united.” Although the members of Bokandeye are from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, Bokandeye African-American Dance Theatre truly believes they are one “family” united by the same mother (Mother Africa).

PRINCE AJIWOLE ( Trumpeter) An original band member of the late Nigerian musician Fela.

CHARLES URIEL ( Shekere) Seasoned musician, dancer and music teacher who had paid his dues, Bro. Uriel is glad to lend his talents for the success of this production.

BOOKING/ MEMBERSHIP /DONATIONS For booking information, to perform with NYACE, or to register your children for our weekend workshops in music, dance, and drumming please call: 212-862-4858 or email us at: info@nyafricanensemble.com.

www.nyafricanensemble.com

You can make donations to support our programs Please make all checks payable to :

New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc. and mail to:

New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc. Hamilton Grange Post Office P.O. Box 195 New York, NY 10031

New York African Chorus Ensemble Inc. is a 501(c) 3 organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

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