African Heart Beat

Wilma Kenny | Nov 22, 2017

Last Saturday, Grandmothers by the Lake brought four local and very different music groups and one pianist together for a sold-out eclectic evening of music. The first performance was, appropriately, Log House Rhythms, a group of five playing powerful compelling West African based rhythms on Djembes and Dun Duns. Then Toute Ensemble, three well-known local flautists Anne Archer, Debbie Twiddy and Melanie Fyfe, played a broad range of chamber music. Carpe Musica came next: self described as an eccentric mix of three saxes, a trumpet, a trombone and a bass ukulele, they wound up their set with the New Orleans jazz classic “Just a Closer Walk”

During the breaks between sets, sixteen-year Noah Pedersen played the piano and sang, with a skill far beyond what one might expect from a person who first began piano two years ago.

Shout Sister, a 25-member women's choir was the closing act, with a wide range of popular songs. They are a group who get together for the joy of singing, and welcome new members at any time.

After the concert, audience and performers and performers met in the church hall for cookies and coffee.

The evening was a fundraiser by the “Grandmothers and Grandothers” who are committed to helping those in Africa who have been left to raise grandchildren orphaned by the HIV/AiDs pandemic. All of the performers donated their time.