Catherine Ciiku Ndungu-Case runs the non-profit organization Cheza Nami from her home in Pleasanton. She describes what inspired her to form the organization, which focuses on the promotion of African culture. Video by Chad McClymonds as part of his interview project "Living here in the Bay"

We are excited to welcome our beloved Ibou Ngom back to Livermore for another fun filled drum and dance workshop. 

About Ibou
Ibrahima (Ibou) N’gom facilitates community drumming and dancing with adults and students of all ages. He has worked with and performed for elementary through high school students, at-risk youth and university students. He is a SPECTRA Resident Artist. Ibou speaks English, Spanish, French and his native Wolof. His group Domu Africa is a favorite in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. Together they bring the sights and sounds of Senegal alive through traditional music and dance performances. With his set of student sized instruments Ibou can turn any room into an African drum corp. His patient and friendly teaching style makes him a popular teacher. Born into a Griot family of traditional musicians in Senegal, West Africa, he has been carrying on his family’s musical lineage since childhood. Ibrahima toured with two prominent Senegalese dance companies, the 2nd National Ballet of Senegal and the Ballet Sinomew before coming to the Unites States seven years ago. Since then Ibou has been working to share his native culture’s music and dance traditions with US audiences and especially students. He is available to lead classes in dance and/or accompany other musicians. 

When: April 6th, 2014 3-6pm
Where: Bothwell Arts Center. 2466 8th St. Livermore CA 94550
Cost: Free

YYou will not want to miss Jayson Fann of Spirit Garden productions as he facilitates our free drum workshop in March 

Cost: Free

Bring your own drum or instrument of choice for the drum circle portion or borrow one of ours. Note:Barefoot dancing, wear comfortable clothing you can dance in.

Spread the word. Bring all your friends and family!

This community workshop is made possible by Livermore Cultural Arts Council


Jayson Fann is a musician, visual artist, director, producer and multi-cultural arts consultant. Jayson performs, designs and produces hundreds of concerts and educational programs annually celebrating cultural diversity . His work has taken him around the world many times to direct a diverse range of artistic projects in Europe, African, Haiti, Cuba and Brazil. Jayson has taught and served as a special consultant for California State University Monterey Bay, San Francisco State University, The Esalen Institute, Centro d’Ompio International Center for Holistic Studies as well as many other schools and centers internationally. His work has been featured in many prestigious publications such as the London Guardian, BBC, San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times, Conde Naste European Travel Magazine, Sunset Magazine and many others world wide.

When: March 16th, 2014. 3-6pm
Where: Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 8th Street, Livermore CA 94550

About the Class: Join us at the Bothwell Arts Center every Monday, starting March 10th from 7:30-9:30 for an African drumming class with Mogauwane. This is a mixed ability class where all levels of drummers are welcome. Come explore the joy of African drumming and learn some rhythms of Africa. Bring your drum or borrow one of ours.

About the Instructor: Mogauwane Mahloele was born in Storomo and raised in Mamelodi ya Tshwane, South Africa. He was born a drummer, and learned to master his instruments through countless hours observing, participating, practicing, rehearsing rhythms and making the instruments to fully understand their capabilities. He is of the BaPedi people, known for their versatility in music instrumentation. Among Mogauwane`s mentors, Tshidi, Kasi and Lefes were especially important in impressing upon him not only technique and particular rhythms and music, but also a deep seriousness in ethics and aesthetics of the culture, social structure, and the history of both family and the nation. Mogauwane was born and raised under the apartheid system and worked to see it dismantled. These struggles frame his music, and his soul. Mogauwane has been playing music since his days in the warmth of his mother`s womb. His mother was a traditional dancer, and he too danced, even before he was born. His music is traditional and traditionally inspired, and has been his lifeblood for more than 40 years. For more information about Mogauwane, visit his website www.mogauwane.com

Dates & Times: every Monday, starting March 10th  to May 12th from 7:30-9PM

Cost: $15 drop in or $120  for a 10 class punch card


Where: Bothwell Arts Center, 2466 8th St. Livermore, CA 94550