Zikina

July 19th

The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum is delighted to present Zikina, a musical project headed by Ugandan native Gideon Ampeire. Zikina’s sound is a fusion of traditional East African instrumentation, Jazz, and Funk. Zikina will play on Wednesday, July 19th in the Sunken Garden at the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, 130 River Drive, Hadley, MA 01035 starting at 6:30 PM. Picnickers are welcome on the museum grounds at 5:00 PM. Admission is $12 for adults, $2 for children 16 and under. The museum and grounds are a smoke-free site.

A wide variety of music lovers will find something to enjoy in a Zikina performance.  World music fans will be intrigued by rare instruments being placed in a highly original context. Rock and funk fans will find some heavy head-nodding grooves to soak in. Jazz lovers will appreciate the improvisational melodic interplay between Gideon Ampeire's instruments and Mike Cardozo's guitar.  Fans looking for a pleasant soundtrack to their evening picnic in the garden will find some uplifting and gentle pieces to enjoy.

Gideon Ampeire grew up in Uganda and developed a deep connection to the musical culture and traditions of East Africa, as well as the instruments.  He will perform self-built traditional harp-like instruments enanga and adungu, both of which will likely be brand new to most audience members.  He also plays kalimba, which may be slightly more recognizable, but applied with an innovative approach.  Gideon moved to the United States in 2003 and studied ethnomusicology at UConn and West African drumming under legendary professor Abraham Adzenyah at Wesleyan University while earning his master's degree.  He has performed throughout the Northeast United States and notable festivals in Canada as well as at an event at the U.N. with his group Echo Uganda, comprised entirely of traditional East African instruments.  Zikina gives him a chance to stretch his traditional roots as his traditional melodies and stories move through the diverse influences of his collaborators.

Ampeire is joined by guitarist Mike Cardozo, bassist Roston Kirk, and drummer Kade Parkin. Cardozo specializes in Jazz and West African music. He uses his talents to render seemingly disparate musical styles cohesive. Kirk studied film scores at Berklee School of Music and applies his expertise in crafting the group’s textures and landscapes. Parkin is a versatile drummer who has studied fusion music and afro-beat; he brings subtle variations in texture throughout the performance.

To visit Zikina's Webpage please Click Here

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