The immersion of cultures and history through music has been a life long theme. It is particularly important in these times to appreciate the diversity that still remains in our world. This participatory highly adaptable multi cultural performance also includes spoken word and bilingual dialogue (Spanish) which bridges the music of Africa and The Americas. Do you know how a South African Zulu Chant became an American pop song? Or that there are five hundred year old Nigerian traditions still thriving in Cuba? A Mexican/American hit has its roots in 17th century Angola? Alex Weiss & Different Drum will perform and inform the music using Arts Education Essential standards. Ideal for grades 6-9 but easily adaptable for grades 3 - 5 or High School level. Able to work with special themes or make adjustments to fit curriculum. Will also work with special needs. Instrumentation includes: Cornet, congas, tambor, percussion, bass guitar, harmonica, sopranino, soprano and alto recorders. (W. African Djembe & Dunnun orchestration available on request). Use this link to view a video excerpt from this program: https://youtu.be/uKftvs8nDM0

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Artist Background

Since 1992 Alex Weiss & Different Drum have been performing throughout the Carolinas, bringing their unique multicultural sound to festivals, schools and community events. Alex has been a music educator since 1980. He is a multi instrumentalist and award winning composer who received the Durham Arts Councils emerging artist grant in 1991 and The NC Arts Council Songwriters Fellowship in 1993. Alex is joined by the triiingual percussionist Li-lan Hsiang Weiss on congas and Brian Pearl on bass & percussion. In 2015 Alex Weiss & Different Drum performed at a week long international festival in Santiago de Cuba, called Fiesta del Fuego. Alex has produced Eight CD’s on the Silent Dayze lable, also available online through CD Baby. www.silentdayzemusic.com

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Search Criteria

• Discipline: Dance, Multi-Disciplinary, Music, Storytelling
• Grade Level: Elementary, High, Middle
• Program Type: Performance
• Cultural Context: African, African-American, Caribbean, Latinx
• Accepts bookings in Johnston County