Anzanga African Marimba Ensemble Returns to BPA, 1/10

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, the Anzanga Marimba Ensemble presents their high-intensity, irresistably danceable expression of traditional and contemporary marimba music from Zimbabwe and beyond, one night only at BPA.

For over 25 years, the Seattle-based ensemble has brought the electrifying and energizing music of African marimba to festivals, cultural events, schools, and more. Anzanga has toured nationally and internationally and appeared regionally in the Northwest Folklife Festival and Bumbershoot. The troupe's repertoire is primarily from Zimbabwe, with influences from Mozambique, South Africa and Gambia, in addition to original compositions. This special public performance is part of BPA's Cultural Outreach Program.

Anzanga plays using eight marimbas-three sopranos, three tenors, a baritone, and a bass-and hoshos, or gourd shakers. The marimbas are hand-crafted xylophones made from various hardwoods. The tuning is based on the tonalities found in Zimbabwean Music. Each key sits above a resonator with a vibrating membrane to amplify the sound and add a unique "buzz" to the music.

Don't miss the public performance for all ages January 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, $12 for adults, and $10 for children, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance.

BPA is supported, in part, by Bainbridge Community Foundation and One Call for All.

To post a comment, you must register and login.