Join us for an interactive performance with Carl Winters, the Kalimba King. He will demonstrate playing jazz, blues, pop, rhythm & blues, and gospel on 13 kalimbas (African thumb pianos), along with a discussion of how the kalimba is used in African cultures. There will be an opportunity for kids of all ages to try out playing the kalimba.

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Carl Winters was born in San Antonio, TX and comes from a musical family. Winters’ inspiration to begin playing/studying the Kalimba (African thumb piano) came in the 1970s from Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire.

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After playing with various jazz groups in Houston, Winters moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and became an elementary school teacher where he incorporated music into the curriculum. Winters assists with the Allen Temple Baptist Church Children’s Choir. Some of his past performances include the Smithsonian Institution, the Heritage Days Festival in South Carolina, the Gullah Festival in South Carolina, and the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

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In addition to playing for all ages and occasions, he also gives kalimba lessons.

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This program is presented in conjunction with Thrive @ MoAD, a monthly family free day made possible by the generous support of Kaiser Permanente.

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