Junebug Productions and the Contemporary Arts Center present "GOMELA" - Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective’s 30th Anniversary Concert!

Junebug, New Orleans’ historical community theatre organization founded by John "Junebug Jabbo Jones" O’Neal, is pleased to present the city’s premiere African drum and dance company’s 1st full-length solo concert in over 10 years this month at the home of Kumbuka’s very 1st official concert ever, which took place at the Contemporary Arts Center in 1985. Kumbuka African Drum & Dance Collective is known for its vibrant, colorful and percussive movements that breathe life into ancient art forms and make evident the connection between Africa, Haiti and New Orleans.

This year, Kumbuka and Junebug celebrate 3 decades of providing cultural, educational and enrichment programming to the greater New Orleans community, along with the CAC celebrating 35 years. Together, these 3 organizations continue to serve our community with diverse, quality activities with a broad yet grassroots approach.

"GOMELA," a Bantu word that means "to go back" or "to return," will take a look back through Kumbuka’s entire repertoire of work, including their signature ballet, "Dance de Calinda," rooted in traditions of Congo Square, as well as the debut of a new piece, "Revolution," choreographed by guest Kwame Ross, and more. "GOMELA" will feature an array of New Orleans’ finest dancers, master drummers, singers and of course, colorful traditional costumes.

Kumbuka Founder and Creative Director, Ausettua AmorAmenkum, is delighted to present her esteemed company’s anthology of work in this tribute to our core values, cultural traditions and experiences that make this place, New Orleans, home, and as such will co-host a company meet and greet with the artists and staff of Kumbuka and Junebug immediately following each performance of "GOMELA" at the CAC.

We look forward to meeting you!

KUMBUKA: remember
GOMELA: go back

GOMELA is made possible with generous contributions from Junebug Productions and its Homecoming Project, Ashe Cultural Arts Center and the Contemporary Arts Center’s Performance Support Program.

* "GOMELA" is presented as part of Junebug Productions’ HOMECOMING PROJECT, making its 2011 major performance debut on Saturday, December 3rd in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, LA. HOMECOMING PROJECT is a place-based storytelling performance and community engagement series that incorporates the "Jabbo Jones" Story Circle application in facilitating constructive social change through the arts in New Orleans.

For more information on HOMECOMING PROJECT, or to get involved, please contact Junebug Productions via info@junebugproductions.org or at 504.577.0732.

http://www.kumbukaafricandance.com
http://www.junebugproductions.org
http://www.ashecac.org