Jems Community Dance June, 2009 - Maraka Don

Wulaba Rocks the 1980 Olympic Arena for the 2009 Winter Empire States Games Opening Ceremonies

We had a one and a half minutes of fame in front of thousands of people (our biggest audience so far) last Friday February 20th for the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Winter Empire States Games. Mimi Frantz, one of our African dancers who happens also to be a skating coach, choreographed the number on ice. First Lost Dog, a local band (with Nick Loewy, who also plays with Wulaba from time to time), began the night with the Northwood Women's Hockey players performing their high spirited number. Then we transitioned to figure skating where Wulaba played Maraka Don. The Olympic Skating School skaters performed an exciting number. On hand for Wulaba were James Gann, Karen Kan, Candy Merritt and Dusty Grant (on Dununs). We were "amplified" for the first time ever in the large 1980 arena. Despite the large crowds, Wulaba wasn't too nervous. The spotlight was pretty interesting - but we were in our own little worlds drumming our hearts out for one and a half minutes! After we were done, Lost Dog started up again for the speed skaters that came out and did their number. We finished off with a "Jam" session at the end. All in all, we had a really fun time! Hey, and one of our other dancers, Jackie, was actually part of the camera crew! Hope she got us on film!

More Photos of Wulaba and Soma Beats from the Rotary Variety Show

Gidambe - solo by Johnna MacDougall

First Night 2009 - Yankadi/Makru

Beginner Drumming Lessons - New Year's Special!

Special Beginner Private Lesson Package - three one-hour lessons for $50 (value over $100)

Marsha Kameron's Freedom Birthday Bash

What a terrific time we all had celebrating Marsha Kameron's Freedom Birthday Bash at the Presbyterian Church in Saranac Lake on Saturday! Over 70 people were there and Johnna MacDougall of Soma Beats shared her "babies" (percussion instruments) with the party-goers so they could dance and rock to their own rhythm.

Wulaba in the News

Photo from Art Walk