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Maestra Series 2019

MARCH 16: Arenas Cuban Spring Gala with Susana Arenas and the Arenas Dance Company.

MARCH 23rd: Mama Africa with Sistahs of the Drum and Adwoa Kudoto and DrumGhana and Dance Ensemble!

It is An Honor to Present to You, In Concert, These Incredible Women Artists for International Women’s History MonthHappening at: Ashkenaz Music And DanceCommunity Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, Ca.

Saturday, March 16

Arenas Cuban Spring Gala with Susana Arenas and the Arenas Dance Company

… with DJ Antonio Chávez and Cuban Vegan Dishes catered by Prima’s Corner!
Dance Lesson with Susana Arenas Pedroso at 7:30 pm; Floor Show at 8:30 pm; DJ and Dancing with DJ Antonio at 9:30 pm AND Cuban Vegan food catered by Prima’s Cuban Corner!!

Tickets are $17 Advance / $20 Day of Show

Susana Arenas Pedroso is an internationally recognized Cuban Folkloric and popular dancer. Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Ms Pedroso began her career in dance at age twelve, studying at La Casa de Cultura de Matanzas and at Conjunto Folklorico Nacional in Havana. She danced professionally for seventeen years in Cuba with popular, folkloric and theatrical groups, including the internationally acclaimed group Raíces Profundas. Since her relocation in the United States in 1998, Ms Pedroso has performed and choreographed numerous pieces that have been exhibited throughout the United States, Mexico, Cuba and Hong Kong.

In 2004 Pedroso founded Arenas Dance Company, which specializes in both Cuban folkloric and popular traditions. Now twenty-five dancers and musicians strong, the critically acclaimed company received rave reviews for its “unforgettable” performance at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival in 2018.

For the Arenas Spring Cuban Gala at Ashkenaz, Arenas Dance Company will premiere several pieces in a spectacular show that brings together the popular Cuban dances and the sacred Yoruba traditions.

For More Information and Tickets, Click here

Saturday March 23rd

MAMA AFRICA  With Sistahs of the Drum

We are students and teachers, listeners and communicators, consumers and creators, protectors and nurtures, friends and lovers.  We drum from the heart, for the heart, to the heart, and with our heart.  Absorbing the teachings of West African rhythms, songs, and dances.  Sistahs of the Drum respectfully represent the essence of our traditional African roots in harmony with our African-American cultural rearing.  The resulting sound is from somewhere deep within; playing through us and resonating with you.  Current members are: Mar Stevens, Sandy Mills, Charlene Gumbs, Shawn Nealy-Oparah, La Tanya Carmical, Mya Jonisha Cross, and Nina Roberts

AND:

Adwoa Kudoto and Drum/Ghana and Dance Ensemble

The group is led by Adwoa Kudoto, the award winning only Versatile Female Master Drummer in Ghana(1999 to present).Adwoa is from Cape Coast,Ghana. She has been teaching and performing since the age of 13. Growing up in Ghana, drumming was considered a taboo for women but with her passion and perseverance in pursuing and learning ,she has been able to break down the barriers and misconceptions surrounding women drumming in Ghana. Adwoa is very passionate about drumming and has travelled all over the world teaching in Sweden,Denmark,Germany and of course the USA. Adwoa embraces everyone on different levels of drum experience. She believes drumming to be healing and one that brings us all together in love. Adwoa and her group will take you through a night of traditional Ghanaian Drumming, Dance, Storytelling and Songs.

Tickets are $20 Advance / $25 Day of Show

For More Information and Tickets, Click here