Lavaroots Fuses West African Dance, Drums

Lavaroots Performing Arts will present a multi-media dance production, “Yankady, Here is Good?” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20, at Kahilu Theater in Waimea.

Written and directed by master drummer and dancer Fara Tolno of Guinea, West Africa, and Michal Anna Carrillo of Lavaroots Performing Arts, “Yankady, Here is Good?” is based on traditional West African dance and music and celebrates the modern fusion of cultures.

Lavaroots Performing Arts was founded on the Big Island by Carrillo in 2002, dedicated to “the expression of “one’s true self through music movement and culture,… specializing in West African dance and drumming passed down from master teachers,” said a media release for the event.

Tolno is founder of the Kissidugu Foundation, which is collaborating with Lavaroots to build stronger relationships between Africa and the Big Island through exchanges of arts and cultural activities.

Tolno and master teacher Naby Bangoura will be offering dance and drum workshops Oct. 1-13, with a special event featuring a guided drum circle and performances by guest artists, 7-9 p.m. at the Algood Barn in Hawi. For more information, call 987-4243 or go to lavaroots.com.

Tickets are available for the Oct. 19 and 20 performances at the Kahilu Theatre box office, 885-6868, and online at Kahilutheatre.org.