Gabriela Shiroma, the artistic director of the program, said “We are all part of the African culture, the Diaspora. Not only has [it] enriched the Americas but their legacy has taught us to honor our ancestors, to sing without fear, to dance from our hearts, to connect with our internal rhythm, to have a sense of community and gathering, and to laugh about life, but most importantly it has made us aware about our connection and unity. We are all a part of humanity: learning from the struggle for freedom and equality”.
Last Saturday was the second of two performances which gathered an amazing collection of artists together. All of the performers were so talented and passionate and brought their own unique styles to the show.
Kicking the night off was Sandy Perez y su Lade demonstrating Afro-Cuban music and dance. Powerful drumming accompanied some absolutely fierce dancing. It was a sight to see the machete wielding dancer running down the aisle in the audience.
More photos on the next page…
Ensambles Ballet Folklórico de San Francisco was next, bringing Afro-Mexican music and dance from Tabasco and Veracruz.
Aguacero followed and performed bomba, Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance.
De Rompe y Raja ended the show with an Afro-Peruvian music and dance arrangement of “Las Lavanderas”.
