7.41°C Over 30 events take place across Colchester’s venues during Black History Month 2010, celebrating African and Caribbean culture, history, music, film, food, literature, and performance. From live reggae and African drumming to talks, theatre, workshops and family activities, this year’s programme brings together communities across the town for a month of reflection and celebration.
Sat 2 Oct, 12–6pm
Launch Event
Freedom Sounds African and Caribbean Reggae Market Day with vibrant stalls, delicious food, music and family entertainment from Ipswich Youth Steel Band and Freedom Sounds Sound System.
At Colchester Academy (formerly Sir Charles Lucas Sports Centre), Greenstead, Colchester.
Info: Boper Rankin – 07776 035961
(After Party Reggae Style with Freedom Sounds at Molly Malones, 4 Magdalen Street from 9pm)
www.facebook.com/freedom.sounds1
Sun 3 Oct, 1pm
Soul Food B-B-Q with Live Music from T-Bone
Sample delicious Caribbean and Southern foods fresh and hot from Simone McClean’s barbecue: Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, White Rice and Festival at £5 a plate and under. Drink Caribbean Cocktails supplied by Dom Drinks and hear the fantastic T-Bone live ska and reggae music. This event is kindly supported by Essex Cultural Diversity Project and The Curve Bar.
At The Curve Bar, 77 East Hill. Free entry, children welcome.
Info: 07990 802 776
www.domsdrinks.co.uk
www.t-boneonline.co.uk
www.essexcdp.com
Throughout October at Local Libraries
Lenore is from Trinidad
Under five-year-olds and their families will be delighted with stories and songs from the Caribbean with Aunty Lenore:
Frinton Library Weds 6th, 11am
Walton Library Thurs 7th, 2.30pm
Colchester Library Mon 11th, 11am
Witham Library Tues 12th, 11am
Harwich Library Weds 13th, 10.30am
Greenstead Library Thurs 21st, 10am
Wivenhoe Library Fri 22nd Oct, 11am
For details, call 01206 245 900
www.essex.gov.uk/libaries
Sat 9 Oct, 8pm
Yoruba Women Choir
One of the most incredible choirs, creating music that is simply beautiful. Their exquisite harmonies are as deep as the ocea,n and their joyful songs lift your spirit and soothe your soul. The 10 singers are backed by a skin-tight 6-piece band. Expect a spectacular show in the grand tradition of Nigerian music.
At Colchester Arts Centre, Church St. £12 / £10
Info: 01206 500 900
www.colchesterartscentre.com
Sun 10 Oct, 11am
Afro Dance Workshop
A professionally trained dancer of both traditional and contemporary West African dance styles, Diene Sagna specialises in Sabar and Djembe. From the renowned Blaise Senghor in Senegal, his exuberance and talent have made him popular among artists such as Youssou N’Dour.
11–1pm Djembe Dance. Originating from Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinee Konakry.
2–4pm Sabar Dance: Traditional Senegalese Dance.
At Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North. £10 per workshop
Call 01206 366 000
www.myspace.com/diene_vieux_sagna
Wed 13 Oct, 11am
Spray Can Exhibition
Slack Space and spray can legend Brave1 present a group exhibition featuring stunning original spray can art, and charting the history and development of the Hip Hop and graffiti movement from NY in the 70s. Hip Hop music, rap, and breakdancing events will take place in the evenings.
Exhibition runs until 30th October.
At Slack Space, 19–29 Queen St, Colchester. Free.
Info: 07792184806
iheartslackspace.blogspot.com
Wed 13 Oct, 8pm
Sadio Cissokho
Sadio Cissokho delivers his music straight from the Casamance region of Senegal, exporting fierce sabar drum patterns and the national dance style of mballax. Mandinka struggle songs, accompanied by West African bass grooves and the forceful local drum kit sound, bring a direct experience of modern Senegal to you.
At Colchester Arts Centre, Church St. £10 / £8
Info: 01206 500 900
www.colchesterartscentre.com
Thurs 14 Oct, 7pm
Healing Herbs & Gongs
Experience the astounding sound of the Gong, creating deep relaxation. Out of approximately 6400 herbs found in Africa, more than 4000 are used as medicinal herbs. Presented by Mark Forde, local medic and naturopath practitioner.
At The Quaker Meeting House. Free.
Info: 07972718833
Fri 15 Oct, 8pm
Eastern Roots presents Daby Toure
After announcing himself to the world by supporting Peter Gabriel, he has gone from strength to strength to become one of Senegal best known musicians. If you missed his UK tour last year, then do not waste this opportunity to see a truly world-class performer.
At Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Colchester. CO4 3S.
£10 / £8 advance / £5 UOE students
Booking: 01206 573948
www.easternroots.co.uk
Fri 15 Oct, 8pm
Kirikou and The Sorceress
A public film screening of the popular animated West African folk tale. Award-winning animation for adults and children alike with a fabulous soundtrack from Youssou N’Dour.
At Slack Space, 19–29 Queen St, Colchester. Free.
Info: 07792184806
Sat 16 Oct, 12–5pm
Firstsite Art Stop
Join us at Firstsite for an amazing experience with a fabulous artist to celebrate Black History Month in Colchester. Drop in to the project space in Short Wyre Street. No need to book.
Free. Info: 01206 577 067
Sat 16 Oct, 8pm
Master Drummers of Africa
Using over 100 ethnic drums and featuring 10 drummers from 10 African nations, this promises to be one of the most thrilling and spectacular shows in world music today.
At Colchester Arts Centre, Church St. £12 / £10
Info: 01206 500 900
www.colchesterartscentre.com
Mon 18 Oct, 12 noon
I Got a Home in Barack
From Africa to the White House. A Journey of Resistance, Triumph and Spirituals. A one-man musical talk written and performed by Tayo Aluko.
At Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex.
£4 / £2. Proceeds to TACMEP.
Info: 01206 873288
www.essex.ac.uk/artson5
Mon 18 Oct, 7pm
Herstories
Short talks by local women celebrating heroines through the ages, including African Queens, Mary Seacole and Rosa Parks.
At Lakeside Studio Theatre, Arts on 5, Essex University. Free.
Info: 01206 873288
arts@essex.ac.uk
www.essex.ac.uk/artson5
Further listings continue throughout October, including live music, theatre, poetry, film screenings, talks and family events at venues such as Colchester Arts Centre, Lakeside Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Signals Media Arts Centre and across the University of Essex campus.
For full programme detail,s visit:
www.bhmcolchester.co.uk
