August 21st to 23rd in Wikwemikong Unceeded Indian Reserve & South Baymouth, Manitoulin Island
The Anishnaabe drums of Wikwemikong and Manitoulin Island will once again welcome drums from the Caribbean. Toronto’s award winning Pan Fantasy Steel Band is in their 24th year as an impressive orchestra and holds an extensive musical repertoire. The group of 44 players, age 11 to 65, has received many top awards both locally and internationally. The Ngoma Dance and Drum ensemble under the direction of musicologist Yvonne Francis is one of Canada’s most dynamic African Drumming groups. Special guests also include the Sudbury Northern Allstars Steel Band.
Co-founders author, Itah Sadu of Toronto, and Jose Garcia of Manitoulin were so inspired by the response of the event last year that they have planned the event for a second year. “The calls just keep coming in” said Garcia, “people were so stimulated that they were dancing in the streets and were wanting this event to happen again this year.” Last year the festival attracted over 400 people from Toronto, the United States, Manitoulin and all across the Sudbury area. “Cross cultural events that educate people on the various indigenous cultures are very exciting. Manitoulin Island is a hotbed of knowledgeable, cultural, educated people and events such as inhibit that sharing of the cultures” said Kevin Eshkawkogan, Manager of the Great Spirit Circle Trail.
The opening ceremony takes place at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 21st where distinguished guests include Wikwemikong Chief Hazel Fox Recollet, Gerry Brown, Reeve of South Baymouth, Her Excellency Camille Robinson-Regis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and Michael Lashley, the Consult General of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s event will also include Films on Calypso, Dominoes, Costumes and of course mouth watering dishes from the Caribbean. The festival takes place at South Baymouth, port of the MS Chi-Cheemaun Ferry.
Show times for the orchestra are as follows:
· 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Wikwemikong Ruins on August 21, 2009
· 5:00 pm to 12:00 midnight Street Dance on August 22nd, 2009 in South Baymouth
· Closing ceremonies at 10:00 am on August 23rd, 2009
For more information please contact:
Jose Garcia & Brenda Renwick
At the Southbay Gallery & Guesthouse
South Baymouth, On
Tel. 1-705-859-2363
Great Spirit Circle Trail
15 Hwy 551
M’Chigeeng, On
Tel. 1-877-710-3211
Please visit our website to learn more about this and other local cultural experiences and events on Manitoulin Island-Sagamok region.
Manitoulin Tourism Association
Little Current, On
Tel. 1-705-368-3021
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