Bomba de Aquí
Sat Jun 24, 2023 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Mayo Street Arts, 04101
Description
Developed in the 16th century, bomba is a traditional genre of music and dance in Borikén (currently known as the island of Puerto Rico).
This musical genre was created by enslaved communities of African descent as a way to express themselves, tell stories, share news, communicate revolts, and reaffirm their humanity. The instruments used in this tradition are the maracas (an influence of Taíno Indigenous ancestors), the cua (a small hollow drum played with sticks), and the barrel drums.
During this exhilarating performance by Bomba de Aquí, you will experience the communication that occurs between the dancer, who sets the beat, and the drummer, who attempts to express, through the drumbeat, the dancer's joy, pride, empowerment, and resilience.
"This is how we honor our ancestors as we continue to express ourselves through bomba, the dance of resistance." The performance will include a special appearance by local Taíno community leader Sayalí Robles, from South Portland. Sayali recently began to study the form with support from a Maine Arts Commission Traditional Apprenticeship.
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Saturday, June 24 at 5:00 PM (doors 4:30 PM), approximately 60 minutes, followed by a Q&A.
Tickets are available for $15 in advance, $18 at the door, and $18 for preferred seating (pay-what-you-can available)
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Bomba de Aquí is a dance and music company that performs and teaches Afro-Borikua traditions throughout New England. Directors of Bomba De Aquí, Brendalíz Cepeda and Saul Peñaloza, along with their ensemble members provide workshops at public schools, colleges, churches, and other community venues.
Through their work, they educate the community—in both Spanish and English—about the history of Afro-Borikua music, foster an understanding of the richness of Borikua arts, and encourage active participation in that heritage.
ABOUT THE TAÍNO MINI-CONFERENCE
This event is one part of a Taíno Mini-Conference funded by the Maine Humanities Council, in collaboration with local Taíno community leader, Sayalí Robles, from South Portland, ME; founder of Casa Areyto, Priscilla Colón, from Nashua, NH; and the directors of Bomba De Aquí, Brendalíz Cepeda and Saul Peñaloza, from Granby, MA.
For 500 years, it was widely—and incorrectly!—believed that the Taíno peoples indigenous to Borikén (what is now called the US colony of Puerto Rico) and other islands throughout the Caribbean had gone extinct.
As described by Priscilla Colón, the principal goal of the project is to, “raise general awareness of Taíno indigenous culture—not just its existence but how it's thrived & become part of every other culture in the world.” This lineage can be traced through food, language, music, and other cultural pathways.
Please join us for the events: From Hammocks to Hurricanes | Taíno Influence on Language & Culture (Friday, May 26 at 6:30 PM); Taíno Petroglyphs for Kids Workshop (Saturday, May 27 at 10:00 AM); Taíno Taste Tour of the Caribbean (Saturday, May 27 at 12:00 PM); Bomba de Aquí Workshop (Saturday, June 24 at 11:00 AM); & the Bomba de Aquí performance (Saturday, June 24 at 5:00 PM).
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN POLICY
No one will be turned away for lack of funds; contact MSA at 207-879-4629 or info@mayostreetarts.org for information on our pay-what-you-can admission policy.
COVID-19 POLICY
Audience members, staff, and volunteers will be asked to mask while not actively eating, or drinking.
Mayo Street Arts is committed to the safety of everyone at our events and will adhere to all Federal & Maine CDC guidelines on the day of the event. As we anticipate mid-season changes to our COVID-19 policy, please click here to visit our website and view the most current information.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Mayo Street Arts has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that MSA is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via the Ticket Tailor platform.
Location
Mayo Street Arts, 04101