Conscious Sound Healing & Ecstatic Dance Fest: Africa Edition

Join us for Conscious Sound Healing & Ecstatic Dance Fest: Africa Edition, a deeply inspiring one day fest with sound healer/musicians Zondo, Chinobay and Kevin Spears, all International musical pioneers who reside in Asheville. They will be bringing the rich spiritual and musical tradition of Africa to the Listening Room for an illuminating festival of afternoon masterclasses and evening concerts.

SCHEDULE

MasterClasses
10 am to 11:30 am - A Playful Introduction to African Rhythm with Zondo
12:30 pm to 2 pm - The tapestry of African sounds with Chinobay
2:30 pm to 4 pm - AfroFuturism & The Hidden Influence of Kalimba on American Music with Kevin Spears

Concerts
6 pm to 7 pm - Chinobay: A performance immersion into African acoustics and strings
7:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Zondo and Band: An evening of joyful rhythm, culture, activism, and healing
9 pm to 10 pm - Kevin Spears and his invisible band: A night of ecstatic dance and healing sounds

Hailed as one of the most innovative kalimba players alive today, musical maverick Kevin Spears aka "KalimbaMan" has astounded audiences far and wide and rewritten what is musically possible on the kalimba and as a one-man ensemble. He has performed with Grammy winners and world-class artists including Victor Wooten, Roy "Futureman" Wooten, Rising Appalachia, Toubab Krewe, and was a featured guest for the Earth, Wind & Fire Reunion Tour. "Spears utilizes the traditional African instrument and tweaks it to create a soulful, funky sound that would make Stevie Wonder smile." AfroPop Worldwide
www.kevinspears.com

Experience the magnanimous musical journey of Zondo, hailing from Liberia, West Africa. After enduring war for 13 years, he emerged a musician who bridges worlds and inspires positive change. With his guitar and voice, Zondo juxtaposes traditional Liberian roots with American folk & pop, creating music that our hearts understand. Born from struggle, his songs heal, unite, and ignite our spirits, empowering us to resonate with truth & love amidst adversity. His work as a musician is dedicated to restorative justice, peace, and the liberation of all peoples. As his fellow Africans say: Ubuntu! I am because we are.
www.zondo.love

Born and raised in Uganda, Chinobay embarked on a musical journey deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Buganda musicians at the age of 5. The rhythms that emanated from the Kanyange king's palace, just a stone's throw from his childhood home, formed the backdrop of his early years and this immersive musical environment left an indelible mark on him. In his formative years, Chinobay embraced the folk tunes he gleaned from these local maestros, crafting early works that paid homage to this cherished heritage. As time unfolded, he undertook the task of revitalizing these classics, all while mastering an array of traditional instruments, then traveled across Africa to learn and connect with diverse communities and cultures. Today, having toured over 75 countries, he is a seasoned songwriter, a dedicated educator, and a bridge-builder between cultures. His original compositions breathe life into the diverse stories of humanity, showcasing Africa in its full spectrum of richness- transcending its portrayal merely as a backdrop for adversity. www.chinobay.com