that's every sunday

every SUNDAY at 3:00 that is

world cafe balkan music 3:00
weather permitting
strictly outdoors
courtyard
out side
balkan
band
KEF
clarinet, darbuka, flugelhorn, trumpet, cello, accordion
bulgarian wedding music, serbian choceks,
macedonian mayhem etcetera
world cafe 3:00 p.m.
for now on
always
as long as the sun shines
blair street in whitaker neighborhood
eugene oregon, food, bakery, beverages

west african drum and ance with Alseny Yansane

Since age seven, Alseny Yansane has been immersed inthe musical and dance tradition of his native country,Guinea, West Africa. Alseny trained and performed inmany competitions as a dancer, drummer, and acrobat inthe dawning of the Republic's newly won independencefrom France. Historically, this was a time when artand cultural appreciation and cultivation were at anall-time high, and the training that artists receivedwas strict and systematic. Artists had to compete on anational level annually as a way of moving up tohigher levels of artistic status. These competitionswere held in the heart of Alseny's neighborhood andattracted groups from all over Guinea who representedspecific art and culture from particular regions andethnic groups.This has given Alseny a wealth of knowledge of thehistory and cultural diversity behind this art form, asolid artistic foundation, and a strong drive tostrive for excellence.Alseny has worked with some of Guinea's most reputableperformance groups, including the recently departedKemoko Sano's Ballet Merveilles and Jean Macuely'sBallet Sanke. In 1993, Alseny was recruited to join the country's mostprestigious of all the national groups, the worldrenowned Les Ballets Africains. Touring with them severaltimes, Alseny has dazzled audiences all over theUnited States and Canada, Bermuda, and Morocco.Alseny's dance style is powerful, yet graceful. Hismovements have incredible precision and extension. Hehas brought crowds of spectators to their feet withhis fancy acrobatics and lifting techniques. As adrummer, Alseny is clear and rootsy. He plays smoothlyand melodically with the time, not murkying up themusic with extra notes. Alseny is also a wonderfulteacher who is energetic, inspiring, and fun. He knowshow to make West African dance and drumming accessibleto a variety of levels by breaking things down andbeing patient and encouraging. His joy and passion forhis work is so imminent that it can fire up a room ofstudents from all kinds of backgrounds.DRUM CLASSES:MONDAYS: ON GOING 6:30-8:00 pm Adam's Elementary School cafeteria 950 W. 22nd Ave, Eugene COST: $12-15 SLIDING SCALENEED A DRUM? CALL ANDREA AT 541-232-5471 BEFORE 4 PMMONDAY TO RESERVE ONEDANCE CLASSES:SATURDAYS: ON GOING 11:00 am -12:30 pm WOW Hall 291 W. 8th St., Eugene COST: $12-15 SLIDING SCALEWEDNESDAYS: ON GOING 6:30-8:00 pm Willard Gym at The Village School 2855 Lincoln St., Eugene (BEHIND THE NEWMARKET OF CHOICE) COST: $12-15 SLIDING SCALE

kef

I think we will call the balkan group kef. had a great rehearsal today out on a large porch. Played dun duns with the great lansana Kouyate on balaphon fo5r djibi camara's dance class today also. that was magic! beautiful day michele did alot of gardening. watched clara bow in "IT" at the moldy fig society at the wandering goat cafe tonight. weird scene with 78's playing and old movies and people in vintage clothes.

balkan brass band

balkan brass band

@ world cafe

noon

on sundays

in the courtyard

weather permitting

whiteaker neighborhood

Eugene, Oregon

blogman tango

This is my first post. My name is ken soko. I was born in Queens, new york on nov. 6, 1958. i grew up in northern new Jersey (hey nobody's perfect). i am a local musician in eugene, oregon and have lived here for about 25 years. I have played drums with people as diverse as country superstar Ferlin Husky to radical Zimbabwean singer Thomas Mapfumo. Right now i am in a dance troupe led by a dancer and drummer of the Susu tribe from Guinea, west Africa. He has been in major ballets of guinea includiong Ballet Merveilles and Ballet Africains. I also play in many bands like surf, klezmer, celtic, balkan, jazz, rock and other stuff too on various instruments. I will keep this blog to report on my different musical projects and everyday life. Please feel free to contact me.

peace, kenny