Photo: Cara Owsley
It’s a celebratory time of the year, and the locally
based African drumming and dance ensemble Bi-Okoto offers a hot,
high-energy alternative to holiday-related fare with its 2012 Heritage
Festival this Saturday. Bi-Okoto delivers a double dose of
cross-cultural fun and learning: In the daytime at the Bi-Okoto Cultural
Center, you can immerse yourself in traditional African dance and
drumming workshops taught by visiting master instructors from countries
as diverse as Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana and the Congo.
Feeling
less than full-on participatory? Visit the on-site African Market, where
you’ll find unique jewelry, clothing, instruments, foods and other
goods straight from the continent. Then, at 7:30 p.m., catch these
magnificent performers in action onstage drumming and dancing up a
storm, along with Bi-Okoto, at the nearby Woodward High School
Auditorium. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a taste of
the cultural richness of the West African diaspora — right here in
Cincinnati. All ages. $20-$25; discounts available. Saturday, Dec. 15. Bi-Okoto Cultural
Center, 7030 Reading Road, suite 662, Bond Hill.
biokoto.com/Heritage.php.
