Wamidan Spring Concert II
One of the concert's many highlights came when guest performers Profile Unlimited asked Wamidan players to sit in with them on their first two numbers. Here, Bernard Meyer and Taz Ahmed enjoy playing "St. Thomas" to an Afro-Cuban beat.
Indiana Jazz Hall of Fame drummer Larry Clark heard Wamidan drummers during rehearsal and asked them to sit in with his band.
Profile Unlimited bass player Frank Smith enjoys the collaboration.
Taz Ahmed enjoys the collaboration as well!
Caity Charles dances the Honduran "Punta."
Alix Hudson plays "Mvua ya Afrika" (African Rain Song) on the madinda.
Bernard Meyer, Sister Stella, and Steve Hernandez drum for Professor Akombo's composition, "Nyiba."
Indiana Jazz Hall of Famer Larry Clark couldn't resist experimenting a little with the Ugandan madinda (log xylophone). It wasn't long before Clark and several Wamidan members were playing some an impromptu, improvised intermission "mini concert."
Wednesday's concert was the culmination of Visiting Professor David Akombo's work with Wamidan. The Kenyan musician, composer, and music therapist brought a joyous energy—and several original compositions—to the ensemble this year.