Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the Pelham Art Center. The Pelham Examiner publishes announcements in the form received as a service to the community.

PELHAM, NY—As part of its ongoing Folk Art series of free community events for all ages, the Pelham Art Center announces Sounds of West Africa: A Celebration of Mande Musical Tradition, taking place on Sunday, September 29, from 1-3pm. The event will feature Féraba, a multicultural, multiethnic performance group that combines traditional West African sounds and movement with American tap dance traditions. The group’s mission is to “provide audiences with a rich cultural experience, fostering mutual understanding, and emphasizing the enrichment that comes from embracing diversity.”

The internationally-acclaimed group has performed at renowned venues including Lincoln Center and Town Hall, in addition to schools, hospitals, and libraries, where they engage with communities on a local level. Féraba has been the recipient of the NYFA fellowship in music composition, the Sunshine Award, and Ethnic Dance Award. This is the group’s first time performing at the Pelham Art Center.

Sounds of West Africa highlights the vibrant music and dance traditions of West Africa, featuring traditional instruments like the balafon, djembe, krin, and doundouns. The audience is invited to participate in the interactive performance by singing along, trying out the instruments, and learning authentic Guinean dances.