South African culture workshops coming to Glendale

Explore South African culture during upcoming interactive workshops at several Glendale libraries.

The Glendale Public Library’s African Music and Arts Village invites residents to experience South Africa’s vibrant, cultural traditions through interactive hand drumming workshops led by Master Hand Drummer Baba Shibambo. From June 4-7, look for indigenous music, storytelling, and hands-on activities.

Residents can try their hand at playing djembes, marimbas, shekeres, and other traditional African instruments.

Shibambo will kick off the cultural gatherings with an opening concert from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 3 in the Glendale Main Library auditorium at 5959 W. Brown St. There will be djembes, dun duns, handmade wooden marimbas, shakers, bushman bow, kalimbas and other traditional African instruments played during this concert.

Workshops to follow include:

Teen/Adult Workshops (12 and older):

• 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4: Main Library Large Meeting Room
• 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, June 5: Foothills Library Roadrunner Room, 19055 N. 57th Ave.
• 4-5 p.m. Thursday, June 6: Velma Teague Library Meeting Room, 7010 N. 58th Ave.
• 4-5 p.m. Friday, June 7: Heroes Regional Park Library Yucca Room, 6075 N. 83rd Ave.

Youth/Caregiver Workshops (11 and under accompanied by a parent or caregiver):

• 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 4: Main Library Large Meeting Room
• 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 5: Foothills Library Roadrunner Room
• 2-3 p.m. Thursday, June 6: Velma Teague Library Meeting Room
• 2-3 p.m. Friday, June 7: Heroes Regional Park Library Yucca Room

Workshop participants will showcase what they have learned during a final concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9 in the Main Library auditorium. Music, dance, and stories orchestrated and choreographed by Shimbambo will be performed.

Shibambo is an international touring performer and recording artist from South Africa. A Zulu, his name translates to "guardian of the skins," a nod to his family's esteemed role as caretakers of the tribe's animal skins.

Growing up during the Apartheid era, Shibambo began playing traditional African drums at a young age and he has since toured internationally, performing in musical and theatrical productions, including for Nelson Mandela, the late, South African anti-apartheid activist, politician and statesman who was the first Black president of South Africa.

Registration is required to participate in the workshops. Visit http://gplaz.org/events .

A city of Glendale Performing Arts Grant funds this program.