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AfricaNola will be a part of a panoramic event where, culture, music, and film come together on March 18, 2012 at the New Orleans Healing Center. In addition to AfricaNola’s monthly drum circle and performance by one of its musical ensemble Africa Brass, this cultural event will also serve as the kick-off party for the upcoming Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival and New Orleans Sacred Music Festival. Both take place March 24-25, 2012, with Congo Square during the day, and Sacred Music in the evening.

This celebratory kick-off party will commence with an African Drum Circle hosted by AfricaNola at 5 p.m in Cafe Istanbul at the New Orleans Healing Center. All musicians/spoken word artists are welcome to bring their instruments and sit in during the drum circle, as part of this cultural jamming and coming together of people and their music. At 6 p.m.,with the drum circle vibe still in the air, the powerful ensemble Africa Brass, a musical blending of African rhythms, American jazz, and New Orleans Brass takes the stage. Africa Brass is led by master percussionist Thierno Dioubate of Guinea, West Africa, joined by the ensemble of Tim Green-sax, Matt Perrine -sousaphone, Byron Asher-clarinet, Charles Joseph-trombone, Jeff “Papa Frog” Klein- African drums and featuring Michaela Harrison -vocals, with special guests African dancers Giselle Nakhid, and Kai Knight.

At 7 p.m. AfricaNola, in collaboration with The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS), will host a screening of the critically-acclaimed African film, Yeelen; a Malian (African) film directed by Souleymane Cissé that tells the story of a young African man who possesses magical powers and is on a heroic quest, set against the Mali Empire of the 13th century. A winner of the Jury Prize at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, Yeelen is considered one of the greatest experiences of world cinema. Film society board member Ivan Watkins will introduce Yeelen, and lead Q&A following the screening.

“This is a unique event for AfricaNola, and we are honored to be partnering with the New Orleans Film Society, Congo Square Festival, and the New Orleans Sacred Music Festival, to help kick-off two very important cultural events for our community. Having these events converge in the New Orleans Healing Center is very special and symbolic. It’s 110% New Orleans.”