A chord can break down a mental wall, a beat can breach a psychological divide, a melody can shatter an invisible boundary. Music has the power to transcend what divides us and bring the world together in harmony. Locally, no one seems to live for this ethos better than the cats at The Slyboots School of Music and Art. It's their mission to exercise their global consciousness and “utilize world music as a vehicle to unite people from around the world and manifest positive social change in our communities and beyond.”
So you better believe that Slyfest 6, the Slyboots School's annual fundraiser and music festival - held Aug. 26-28 at Warsaw's North Fork Music Park - will be featuring a truly inspirational line-up of musicians from around the world. Their conscious embrace of world music has attracted highly-acclaimed and specialized musicians like Bernard Woma of Ghana and Cyro Baptista of Brazil, as well as Taini Asili and One World Tribe, regional heavy-hitters spreading the message of peace and unity. If you've never heard of these music makers, don't despair, and definitely don't scroll away... the time has come to educate yourself and open up to the rhythms of the world.
Bernard Woma
Bernard Woma was born in Ghana, West Africa with tightly clenched fists; upon visiting the village elder, his father was informed this destined young Bernard to play the gyil, the region's traditional xylophone. Realizing this destiny, Bernard began playing the gyil at just two years old, and has progressed throughout his life to become widely known as the best gyil player in the world. He is the a principal member of the National Dance Company of Ghana, and the ceremonial drummer for State functions. He now spends his time between the United States, Europe and Africa, teaching, performing and running his music school, the Dagara Music Center, in Ghana.
Woma spends winters on the road touring U.S. universities with his traditional Bewaa ensemble, the Saakumu Dance Troupe, managed by Slyboots founder Griffin Brady. It was one of Woma's performances that inspired Brady to become a percussionist, and the two have worked together since, Brady studying under Woma at SUNY Fredonia. Slyboots was born as the sister school of the Dagara Music Center, and the Saakumu tours support both cultural institutions. Bernard Woma will perform with some members of the Saakumu Dance Troupe, alongside Brady's On The Sly at Slyfest 6. You won't be able to avoid the inspiring energy and powerful beats this man brings to a room.
Woma spends winters on the road touring U.S. universities with his traditional Bewaa ensemble, the Saakumu Dance Troupe, managed by Slyboots founder Griffin Brady. It was one of Woma's performances that inspired Brady to become a percussionist, and the two have worked together since, Brady studying under Woma at SUNY Fredonia. Slyboots was born as the sister school of the Dagara Music Center, and the Saakumu tours support both cultural institutions. Bernard Woma will perform with some members of the Saakumu Dance Troupe, alongside Brady's On The Sly at Slyfest 6. You won't be able to avoid the inspiring energy and powerful beats this man brings to a room.
Cyro Baptista
In the 20 years since he arrived in the United State from his native Brazil, Cyro Baptista has emerged as one of the most sought after percussionists in the country. His electrifying energy, theatrical stage presence and awe-inspiring skills on world percussion instruments have drawn him to the attention of many huge names on the international stage. He has toured extensively with many acclaimed musicians, from Yo-Yo Ma to Trey Anastasio, from Herbie Hancock to Sting and Paul Simon. His versatility has enabled him to play on a huge variety of recordings with many names fans of Slyfest likely hold near and dear, including David Byrne, Dr. John, Brian Eno, MMW, Santana.... even Snoop Dogg.
His own creative project, Beat The Donkey, is a high-energy, theatrical performance with draws on his incredible technical skills, an army of like-minded musicians, and his beautiful senses of theater and humor. The group creates inspiring and dance-enticing music with instruments from Brazil, the Middle East, Indonesia and Africa. He will perform at Slyfest with a cadre of special guests in a performance that we all will be incredibly honored to see. Scope out his skills on display in this breathtaking video with the beautiful performer Maia Barouh.
Maïa Barouh feat. Cyro Baptista Session from Hennessy artistry on Vimeo.
Maïa Barouh feat. Cyro Baptista Session from Hennessy artistry on Vimeo.
Taina Asili y la Banda Rebelda
Taína Asili y la Banda Rebelda is a powerful world music group, based in Albany, whose sound is a fusion of Afro-Caribbean, reggae, rock and hip hop, born from the collective origins of the bands many members, who hail from Puerto Rico, Sicily, Greece, Spain Brazil and Ghana. The group is led by the powerful and uplifting Taina Asili, a Puerto Rican vocalist who writes and sings in the spirit of her ancestors, carrying on the eternal feelings of of resistance, love and remembrance through her dynamic and inspiring music.
“If you look at our history,” Asili says, “you see over and over that music has played a central role in changing how people think, for the good and bad. How we make change in the larger political landscape starts with how we affect one another individually, and music brings message in a way that opens people—their heart, mind, spirit.”
One World Tribe
Founded by Kennedy Thompson on the premise of bringing a diverse group of musicians together in unity to break down social and racial barriers, One World Tribe stands at the top among our region's world music ensembles. Their sound is influenced by the exotic rhythms of the world, and they often perform with a cadre of dancers on stage, moving to afro-beat, funk, reggae, latin and world beats. Like the whole Slyboots crew, theirs is a message of love and unity, bringing the world together through an exploration of sound and movement. Their high-energy, inclusive dance music will have you up on your feet joining the celebration of life and oneness. “They make a statement just by being on stage making great music together. There's no division in their camp, they embrace both what makes the different as well as what makes them alike.”
If you're interested in learning more about Slyfest and its mission, check out this article from our friends at The Good Neighborhood. Pre-sale tickets for Slyfest 6 are on sale now for just $40, or are available at the gate for $60. Pick them up at OnTheSly, Terrapin Station, and the Slyboots School of Music & Arts in Buffalo, or at Funk n Waffles in Syracuse. And because Slyboots is about inclusion, community and collective growth, they've got a number of special deals that may be right for you... check out today! There's only 15 DAYS left before the local festival event of the summer begins!!
~am
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