An evening of drum activation, artist dialogue, and shared food – honoring African musical traditions and community!
*A Djaliis a historian, storyteller and musician, who preserves tradition and culture in West African societies.
“The First Beat” is going to be powerful event rooted in craft, community, and celebration.
Join us May 2nd from 4 - 7pm as we gather at MAC for the debut, activation, and celebration of newly created Senegalese drums.
We’re delighted to welcome visiting artists Saliou M’Boup (@sal_ee_uu), Adama Diouf (@ada_boyla) and stewards of the Ridgewood Ranch in Willits for a powerful evening of music, culture, and celebration of craft.
This event is to celebrate the making of three beautiful cowhide drums that will be made during a Senegalese Animal-to-Drum Making Workshop on hosted in Willits by M’Boup, Diouf, and Ridgewood Ranch.
As part of a blessing for the drums Mendocino Art Center is hosting their debut celebration with an artist talk, followed by procession and activation with visiting artists and local African dance and drumming performers.
Towards the end of the night we’ll also be treated to a community meal made by local chef Chantelle Sookram (@sookram_chantelle)
Can’t wait for you to join us on May 2nd!
But wait…want to help make the drums we’ll be activating?!
Be sure to sign up for the Senegalese Animal-to-Drum Making Workshop on April 26th at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, CA, where participants will work alongside Saliou, Adama, and others to craft communal drums from the hide of a cow raised on the ranch.
The workshop includes small bites prepared from the same cow, honoring the full cycle from animal to instrument.
This workshop and following event are living celebrations of land, lineage, craft, and culture. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!
* If attending the Activation & Community Meal feel free to bring percussion/spiritual instruments of your own.
$50 (Sliding scale for activation/performance and meal)
Use discount code: DRUM20 at checkout to receive 20% off for sliding scale price or email education@mendocinoartcenter for further discount pricing.
About the Instructor(s):
Saliou M’Boup is a multi-instrumental musician specializing in West African and Senegalese drumming, songwriting, and teaching. Based in Los Angeles, CA, he continues his family legacy of playing and teaching West African music which he learned from his mother and father at a young age. His father, Bara M’Boup, is a Senegalese storyteller of oral tradition (griot) and master drummer who traveled to America as the director of music for Ballet Bougarabou. His mother Mindy is a prolific dancer and student of the illustrious Guinean dancer, Youssouf Koumbassa.
Saliou co-created the djembe drum curriculum that is used in public schools around California and teaches African drumming in the Los Angeles Unified School System and plays with Adama Diouf in the musical group, “The Mafe Ensemble.”
Adama Diouf recently moved to Los Angeles from Senegal where he is a drum instructor in the local public schools. In Senegal, Adama spent his younger years traveling the country performing healing ceremonies and learning the history of each traditional song and rhythm. When a member of the community fell ill, their family would gather some money and ask Adama and his group to come and heal the afflicted individual with their music. Adama was also an expert in “drum butchery” or breaking down livestock to make drums. Adama currently performs with his cousin Saliou M’Boup in the musical group, “The Mafe Ensemble.”