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CREATORS OF THE
SENEGAL-AMERICA PROJECT
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MASSAMBA DIOP is our
ever-generous and wise host in Senegal. Born to a griot family, he has
played the tama drum all his life. Massamba plays in the band of
African pop superstar, Baaba Maal, and is admired for his tama
virtuosity throughout Senegal. With friends all over the world,
Massamba is the consummate ambassador for creating community through
music.
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TONY VACCA is an innovative American
percussionist with Jazz and World Music roots going back to 1972. Over
the course of his career, he has made a habit of pushing the already
adventurous conventions of World Music into new territory, both as a
soloist and as the leader of his World Rhythms Ensemble. He is part of
a wave of 20th century musicians whose work has fueled the rediscovery
of the power of the drum, and the power of music to build global common
ground. His fourteen trips to West Africa have contributed to his
unique approach to playing the balafon, and to his depth of knowledge
regarding African and American musical traditions.
Tony also has over 20 years
experience as an educator/instigator, doing hands-on educational
workshops and concert performances in schools, working with students
from elementary to post-graduate levels. All this is part of the reason
he has recorded and/or performed with such a wide range of musicians.
These include pop icon Sting, Senegalese Afro-pop star Baaba Maal, Jazz
trumpeter and World Music legend Don Cherry, poet Abiodun Oyewole of
The Last Poets, Senegalese Hip-Hop stars Gokh-bi System, and Massamba
Diop, Senegalese master of the tama or talking drum. He has produced
three recordings of his own, with a fourth currently in production.
Tony’s plans for this trip include
doing a recording session with Massamba Diop, Acca Wele, Barou Sall and
Derrik Jordan, and returning to Ginaw Rails to visit friends and their
families. (Link to Tony's story about
the mayor's reception)
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JEAN BUTLER,
Senegal-America Tour Coordinator, is the mother of three grown children
and pseudo mom to five artists working with Arts
Are Essential, Inc. (including Tony Vacca). She can’t believe that
she’s been an arts advocate for nearly 30 years, beginning with her
parent volunteer time as an enrichment coordinator, progressing into an
agent and then becoming the President and Founder of a non-profit arts
in education corporation. “I’m not an artist, musician or educator, but
I am a great facilitator. I’m enjoying meeting everyone here going
along on the Virtual Trip and I’m looking forward to meeting old and
new friends in Senegal.” (Link to Jean's Journal - travel in
Senegal) |
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Travelers (in
alphabetical order)
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KIM BROSNAN-MYERS
teaches Kindergarten at West Chester Friends School in southeastern
Pennsylvania. She loves to study the animals, cultures and geography of
Africa with young children. Each March, her classroom is transformed
into "An African Market" to share what they have learned with the rest
of the school. Her interest in Africa began with a drumming workshop in
1992. Pretty soon the music, stories, and art of Africa captured her
heart. After hearing a lecture by Wangari Matthai, who founded the
Green Belt Movement, Kim joined a Green Belt Movement Safari to plant
trees in Kenya in the summer of 2002. She learned how intertwined the
communities are with the trees, animals, and water in their
environment. Most importantly, she experienced the generosity,
compassion, and kindness of the new friends she made. It made her
determined to bridge the divisions between Americans and Africans.
AIDS, deforestation, and violence affect families on both sides of the
Atlantic. We can do more if we can be open to working together. The
Senegal America Project does just that and she is thrilled to be part
of it. (Link to Kim's Journal,
12/29/05) |
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JASON BUCHEA is from Laguna Beach in "The
OC" region of California, and thus has the dubious distinction of
having two TV shows about his home town debut within the same years'
time. In 2001 he graduated from the Hartt School of Music at the
University of Hartford with a degree in Jazz Studies. Now working as a
freelance musician in Hartford, CT, Jason has geared his life towards
both art and education. He has taught at every level in some form, from
elementary school to college, public schools to private students, and
spends his summers teaching at the National Guitar Workshop, the
world's largest summer music institute. Jason plays in many different
groups from Bluegrass to Jazz to Bachata. He is mostly known for his
work in the Hartford hip-hop field with groups like El Vee and Filthy
Kleen. His main band, however, is the Missing Fifths, a
Jazz/Funk/Hip-Hop/Punk band that was named CT's "Best Hip-Hop Group" by
the Hartford Advocate in 2005.
On the trip, Jason wishes to connect with the roots of his culture. "As
Americans we're part European, part African, and part Native American;
probably a lot of other backgrounds as well if not in blood, then
certainly in spirit. My formal education gave me plenty of information
about our European heritage, but our African roots have been greatly
under-represented."
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KATIE BUTLER Katie
Butler is finally getting to go on her trip to Africa! She was in high
school during the last trip and she’s really excited about being able
to travel with us on the adventure this time! She was majoring in math
and performing in the marching band at College of Wooster in Ohio.
She’s currently taking a break from classes to go on the trip with us
to Senegal.
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WILLIAM DANIELS is
founder and president of The Hardwick Group, Inc.
- a consulting firm specializing in human & cultural diversity,
government and community relations, and historical research. He is a
former musician and industry executive, law enforcement officer,
security specialist, EMT and hemodialysis technician. William is a
consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice on issues regarding public
safety, the revitalization of crime-ridden and impoverished communities
and special youth initiatives. He currently co-chairs a federal Hate
Crimes Working Group and develops, speaks, and instructs curriculum
related to bias-motivated crimes, youth leadership and organizational
change. His purpose for participating in this project is both personal
(a pilgrammage to the land of his ancestors) and professional (to learn
by conducting historical research on culture, music and diverse
peoples, and to teach and share the American experience with the
Senegalese). (Link to Will's
Journal - "Going Home, An African-American Experience in Senegal") |
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IRMA GARDNER-HAMMOND
is known around town as "Storytelling Irma." It is an appropriate label
for someone who paints such vivid pictures with words. Storytelling
Irma's early experience was shaped by growing up in a small segregated
town on the eastern shore of Maryland. A strong sense of family,
spirituality, and community are reflected in her stories. She magically
spins improvisational colorful tales that weave the audience into their
fabric through songs, movement, and drama. As a Creative Arts therapist
she has worked in gerontology and mental health for over twenty years.
Irma is well known in the profession for her therapeutic use of story
and music as she also offers workshops, seminars, lectures and
inservices on the therapeutic use of storytelling. (Link to Irma's Poem - the
Ancestors Speak) |
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BURCHIE GREEN has
been a Montessori teacher for the past 15 years in Western
Massachusetts. After her first trip to Senegal, she brought back
stories, pictures, and artifacts to her classroom. Her students'
enthusiastic response explains her eagerness to join this group.
Burchie is also a singer-songwriter and has made two recordings of original children's
songs. They have reached audiences worldwide through the Montessori
community. Burchie's intent on this trip is to represent the needs of
Montessori schools with special focus on the 'Fundamental Needs of Man'
such as our need for food, water, and shelter and on documenting 'a day
in the life' of a Senegalese child. (Link to Burchie's journal,
visit to the village of Toubab Diallaw) |
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SIOMARA GREEN is the
Guatemalan-born adopted daughter of Tony Vacca and Burchie Green. Most
of her life is currently spent listening to World Music, and she is
especially fond of the tama drumming of her uncle, Massamba Diop. Some
of her favorite CD's include Baaba Maal’s “Lam Toro,” and almost
everything by Oumou Sangare or Acca Wele. On this trip to Senegal she
hopes to get acquainted with Senegalese cuisine, since she has devoured
nearly every food substance America has to offer. Other goals are to
get some serious hang-time on the beautiful beach of Toubab Diallo, to
learn some Wolof, and to meet some of her favorite Senegalese musicians.
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EARL HAMMOND is a
high school senior who has crammed a rich life into his 17 years. He's
been playing the djembe since he was seven and now teaches drum classes
in recreation and community centers and schools in the Philadelphia
area. He performs in six different bands: Meet Rainbow (punk rock),
Heru Fire Drummers (African djembe and djun djun), Enox Trufdot (hip
hop), Flame (punk rock), and Coldblooded (alternative rock and jazz).
His goal in Senegal is to come closer to his people; his ancestors came
from Senegal. Also, Earl's heart's desire is to come closer to the
music of Senegal and the rhythms of the drum so that someday he can
call himself an international drummer and eventually become a master
drummer in the true sense of word.
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A middle level
educator for over ten years, RICHARD HAXHI teaches geography and social
studies in Fairfield, Connecticut. He focuses on diversity and
the interconnectedness of our planet in physical and cultural
terms. Rich possesses a rich background in history, earth
science, and politics. His goals for the Senegal experience are
to establish cross Atlantic relationships, expand his knowledge of
Africa, and help his students acquire a better understanding of the
world around them. Rich has worked closely with Lenny Moitoso in
Fairfield Public Schools to develop a regionally recognized unit on
Africa. (Link to Rich's Journal,
12/28/05) |
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DERRIK JORDAN is an
award-winning songwriter, singer, recording artist, producer,
multi-instrumentalist and teacher. He plays 5 string electric violin,
guitar, piano and a wide range of percussion including congas, kalimba
and quica. His goals for the trip include playing with Senegalese
musicians and studying one string African fiddle. He will be bringing
his digital multi-track recorder and documenting our musical
interaction as well as making CDs for local musicians as gifts.
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DEBBY KERN is our web
author and one of the photographers for the first and the present trip.
Newly retired from her job as middle school computer
teacher/coordinator in West Chester, PA, she brings with her a joy in
working with students of all ages. Over the past 10 years, Debby has
brought the World Rhythms program to over 100 schools, conference
centers, and concert venues. In addition, Debby initiated an on-going
sister program between her school and a village in Malawi, E. Africa,
consisting of an in-person cultural exchange and raising funds to build
a solar powered grain mill in Zowe. Her other interests in life and on
this trip are African drumming/dance, living in peace with nature, and
sharing life experiences with new friends. (Links to Debby's Journal,
12/30/05, Debby's
Journal - the Senegalese people remind us that life can be real) |
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ROBBIE LEPPZER is an award-winning independent filmmaker
who has created documentary television programs about contemporary
social issues and multicultural themes for national and international
broadcast for more than 25 years. Leppzer’s critically acclaimed
documentary works have been globally broadcast in 210 countries by CNN
International and broadcast nationally in the United States and Canada
by PBS, Cinemax, Sundance Channel, The Learning Channel, Free Speech
TV, National Public Radio, Pacifica Radio, and the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation.
Robbie has worked with Tony Vacca and World Rhythms for
many years. In 1989, he produced SONGS OF THE TALKING DRUM, an
hour-long documentary which profiled Tony Vacca’s collaboration with
saxophonist Tim Moran and theater performance artist Andrea Hairston.
In 1998, he filmed the last Senegal-America group trip to Dakar and
filmed interviews with many of Senegal’s top musicians for CNN
International’s World Beat program.
Robbie's latest feature documentary, THE PEACE PATRIOTS,
is narrated by Air America Radio host Janeane Garofalo and features
music by Steve Earle, Pete Seeger, Ani DiFranco, Jonatha Brooke, Saul
Williams, DJ Spooky and John Sheldon. He often speaks in middle
schools, high schools, and colleges, using his films as discussion
catalysts about contemporary social issues with students. For more
information, visit his website Turning
Tide Productions
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BOB LOMBARDO is a
technical trainer, musician, and former high school teacher. He will be
providing technical support for the group as needed. His goal is to
have fun with the people of Senegal because when we are laughing, there
are no cultural barriers.
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ZAN LOMBARDO joined
the Senegal-America Trip to finally see firsthand the fine arts and
culture of a continent she's been teaching about in public schools for
more than 25 years. Her honors include Rotary's Outstanding Teacher of
the Year (2001), Robert Rauschenberg Power of Art honoree (2002),
Citadel Heart of Learning nominee (2003, 2004), and recognition for
exemplary work on environmental education with gifted and talented
students from the National Energy Foundation (2004, 2005). (Link to Zan's Journal, 12/29/05, Zan's journal,
12/30/05 ) |
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LENNY MOITOSO has
been a 7th grade World Geography teacher for 6 years at Roger Ludlowe
Middle School in Fairfield, CT. His main passion in the subject
area is the study of people and cultures in Sub-Saharan
Africa. For 4 years, along with colleague Rich Haxhi, Lenny
has helped develop a multi-disciplinary unit on Sub-Saharan Africa that
includes helping to build fresh water wells through the Peace Corps.
Lenny's goals for the Senegal-America trip include setting up
cross-continent correspondence with students and teachers, broadening
his knowledge of the area, and learning about culture through music and
traditions. His other interests include playing acoustic
guitar and coaching at the high school level. (Link to Lenny's Journal, 12/30/05) |
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Background music:
"Suma Deuk Waay" from Senegal-America Project CD featuring
Gokh-Bi System
(If you don't hear
music, click here to
download newest version of Quicktime)
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