BPA Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday with Marimba

AnzangaIn honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Anzanga makes its eighth annual appearance on Friday, Jan. 17, as part of BPA’s Cultural Outreach Program. Celebrating 32 years of performing throughout the Northwest and globally, the Seattle-based troupe returns to perform the lively and beautiful melodies of Southern Africa, one night only at BPA.

This ensemble brings the electrifying and energizing music of African marimba to the national and international stage with regional appearances at the Northwest Folklife Festival and Bumbershoot as well as performances in South Africa and China. The troupe’s repertoire is primarily from Zimbabwe, with influences from throughout Africa, in addition to original compositions.

Anzanga plays using seven marimbas — three sopranos, two tenors, a baritone and a bass — and hoshos, or gourd shakers. The marimbas are hand-crafted xylophones made from various hardwoods.

AnzangaThe tuning is based on the tonalities found in Zimbabwean music. Each key sits above a resonator that has a vibrating membrane, which amplifies the sound and adds a unique “buzz” to the music. For additional information, visit Anzanga online at www.anzangamarimba.band.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are $12 for adults and $10 for children, and may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance.

New this season: Anzanga enthusiasts may choose to participate in the 4 p.m. Drumming/Percussion Workshop for ages 10 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments. Tickets for the workshop, $20 per person, include admission to the evening performance and may be purchased by calling the box office at 206.842.8569.