Bethel Woods Adds Free, Interactive Performance Artists to Event Gallery

Free Tickets Available Now

Bethel, NY (March 12, 2011) – Bethel Woods Center for the will host two free, interactive performances that pay tribute to different cultures and performing arts. These family-friendly performances will educate the audience, incorporating the legacy and future of Arabic and African Drum music. Kofi and Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble will kick-off these performances on Sunday, April 10th, while the internationally-acclaimed Arab musician, Simon Shaheen will bring undeniable grace to the stage on Saturday, May 7th.
Both performances are at 2:00 p.m. in the Event Gallery. Admission is free for the performance, but a ticket is required for entry and can be ordered at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. For special assistance in registering your school group, please contact Elaine Muscara at emuscara@bethelwoodscenter.org or at 845-295-2446.
Generous support The Museum’s Education and Community programs is provided by ShopRite Supermarkets. General support of The Museum at Bethel Woods is provided by Rolling V Bus Corp, and Giselle & Jeffrey Gerson.
The Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble was first formed in 1997 when Maxwell Kofi Donkor’s community drum circles in Allentown and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania united. Members of the ensemble come from all walks of life around the tri-state region and have performed with national known drummers including Babatunde Olatunji and his Drums of Passion, Mickey Hart, Arthur Hall, Sikiru, and Camara.
Sankofa’s performances create an atmosphere of an indigenous African Village where everyone gets involved. The marriage of polyrhythmic drums and chants lead the way for the ensembles other instruments – the sheakeres, flutes, and xylophones – while the dancers complete the performance giving additional meaning to the already powerful experience. The close dialogue between all the instruments and performers generates the feeling of connectedness and togetherness, creating a spirit of community and sharing. By the end of the performance the audience will be dancing up a storm.
Shaheen is best known for dazzling his listeners by playing a wide range of musical styles, from traditional Arabic sounds, to jazz and Western classical styles. His graceful technique and musical creativity have earned him national acclaim on the ‘oud and violin. Shaheen has also earned the prestigious National Heritage Award at the White House in 1994 for his musical influence and contribution to the world of arts.
Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and Cairo’s Opera House, are only a few of the world-renowned concert venues that Shaheen has performed at.
Born in Palestine, Shaheen’s childhood was surrounded by musical influence. His father was a professor of music and a master ‘oud player, which he states, “…was the most powerful influence in my musical life”. He went on to graduate from the Academy of Music in Jerusalem and was appointed instructor of Arab music, performance and theory. After moving to New York City, he completed his graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music and Columbia University.
Shaheen formed the Near Eastern Music Ensemble in 1982 out of New York, which was a group that would perform the highest standard of traditional Arab music. To educate the younger generation, he began workshops and demonstrations/lectures in schools, colleges and universities. Shaheen still spends a lot of time working with different schools and universities.
This concert series explores and pays tribute to different cultures and traditions through music, dance and other cultural performing arts in order to promote an appreciation and respect or all cultures.
Additional Event Gallery and Pavilion Stage performances will be announced shortly; fans can expect diverse musical offerings including world-class artists in the rock, pop, singer-songwriter, country and classical genres, as well as special exhibits, films and speaker series at The Museum at Bethel Woods.
To be among the first to hear, sign up for the E-Club at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook or enter the Bethel Woods photo contest by submitting your photos on Flickr to enter to win a 2012 Season Lawn Pass http://www.flickr.com/groups/bethelwoods_photo_contest/
For more information please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org or call 1.866.781.2922.