Update to Rhythm Recipes Sankofa new show!

UPDATE:

“THANKS” to everyone who has already made a donation, we are well on our way!

We previewed the show this past Friday, May 17 at Hibernian’s “Arts on the Rox” gala event, where the audience called for an encore. We also have some new members in the group. Welcome to powerful dancer Theo Victoria, as well as brilliant pianist Rollins Ross, multi-instrumentalists Earl Grant Lawrence and Hilary Noble!

Remember “SAVE THE DATE – JUNE 14 & 15 FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

CHECK Hibernian Hall’s web site and Cornell Coley’s web site for ticket information. They go on sale soon!

It’s going to be a healing experience!

Here is a 3-minute video trailer from the first show in 2022! https://youtu.be/RYvXKeL6wx0

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“Rhythm Recipes - Sankofa” is a unique performance followed by a healing drum circle, inspired by the central role drums and rhythm play in our lives. We piloted the show in 2022. By producing this updated 2024 version, we exercise the West African concept of "Sankofa" which means to benefit by reaching back and carrying past knowledge forward.

Hibernian Hall in Nubian Square, Roxbury is the venue and our principal collaborator. I am also delighted to have their co-sponsorship.

Your host, Cornell Coley, is an experienced percussionist, dancer, teacher and performance artist who has taught and performed throughout New England and California, Mexico, Jamaica and Indonesia.

I conceived the show, and we developed it as a collaborative. Drumming takes center stage, utilizing traditional rhythms from the African Diaspora – the US, the Caribbean, Brazil and West Africa. The “Hambone Shout” episodes feature stories and spoken word poetry, plus dance to create a strong connection between audience and performers. The music ranges from orisha chants to Caribbean lullabies and carnival music. A unique stage set of bold, African-futuristic props combine with stage lighting and beautiful sounds result in a magical evening!

The pilot show was exciting and enthusiastically received.

This new version brings back many of those same accomplished artists including: Akili Haynes, multi-instrumentalist on trumpet, bass, drums and spoken word poetry; Fulani Haynes, a seasoned actress, singer and activist; Jorge Arce, an award-winning musician, teacher, dancer, singer and visual artist from Puerto Rico, Michael Wingfield, percussionist, educator and flautist. Newer members are the incredible pianist Rollins Ross, flute and saxophonist Earl Grant Lawrence as well as percussionist, flautist and sax player Hilary Noble. Modern and jazz dancer Theo Victoria rounds out the group.

Your donation will allow us to pay these artists their true worth. We also use the money to enhance the futuristic stage, and to reach a larger audience with targeted marketing. Finally, what’s very exciting is that we will acquire wearable technology that converts movement into sound for our dance performer!

I will lead the drum circle, scheduled for a few days after the performance. This was a major highlight of our pilot event.

We hope you’ll join us.

Photo Credit: Nikolai Alexander Photography