IFE ILE Afro-Cuban Festival in Boulder

[windhorse]

Whoof! What a weekend!
CU's website on Theatre and Dance
The group - IFE ILE came from Miami to grace our presence from Thursday night Aug. 31st - Sep. 2nd with workshops everyday three times per day.
The group included instructors Neri Torres, Ezequiel Torres, Yofvany Gonzalez, and Yanitzia Mizrahi.
The first night was a movie made by Lazzarro Ross, which I unfortunately couldn't make.
Then, they came to the CU campus where they first gave a full production show on Friday night with lights, sound, costumes, dance, drum and song on stage. It was really good and reminded me of the Humboldt Afro Cuban camp's productions - though on a smaller scale.
Then, They gave workshops for the next two days on Rumba and Orisha dances, bata drumming, and Chekere. Several of us local tumberos accompanied the musicians each time they gave a dance class. They somehow recognized that I could play and let me join them every time. They were amazingly nice and open as well as being very accomplished.
Last night we ended the festival with a big 'Rumba Jam'. That's what they called it.
Wow! What a great weekend!
Miami guys, do you know them?



Edited By windhorse on 1188829552

[JohnnyConga]

Yes I do ...actually Neri has worked with me on occasion when I lived in Miami....I met her brother only once....she is a great dancer and he is a Bata maker and good player too..."JC" Johnny Conga-ex Miami-ite...

[Jongo]

Hey Windhorse, what a great event and how cool that you were able to participate so fully in it. I have been fortunate enough to play with some drummers and dancers in some similar events and I always play my heart out. I play the best that I can and that is just to keep up with some of the guys doing the workshop because they are so good. Well, when I say keep up, the reality is that I can't even hang with them but it so much fun to get to play with some really good musicians. Congratulations Windhorse I am really happy for you

[windhorse]

Thanks Jongo, and like you say, it's really just hanging on playing a repetitive part like bell, cata, or clave, while they play circles around you while singing!!
Great learning experience,
And Johnny, yeah, Neri was the one who got the whole event to happen in Boulder! Her brother was my bata instructor - and one of the nicest guys I ever met.

[zaragenca]

Well that's good keep the jamming going thanks for sharing.Dr. Zaragemca