Join us for an afternoon of music and dance with Orchestra Gold. This program will include interactive performances with Mariam Diakite (Lyricist, Vocalist) and Erich Huffaker (Guitarist, Composer) of Orchestra Gold. Mariam will bring specially designed percussion instruments for children to engage with the music and will teach children and their families dances they can perform to the music.

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There will be two 45-minute sets performed at 2pm and 3pm.

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Mariam Diakite: Creative Director, Lyricist, Vocalist, Educator, Dancer, Percussionist from the country of Mali in West Africa

Mariam Diakite is a recognized artist of the highest caliber. Mariam’s focus is on the oldest of Mali’s traditions. Uniquely interested in mining the depths of Mali’s cultural heritage, she is the dynamic front-woman for Orchestra Gold, spearheading the ensemble’s dynamic blend of psychedelic rock and old Malian folklore.

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Erich Huffaker: Managing Director, Composer, Guitarist A multi-instrumentalist based in Oakland

Erich Huffaker has studied Malian music for the last 13 years, primarily in Bamako and Ségou. Adept at Bambara and French, he lived extensively in Mali while studying djembe and dunun with his main djembe teachers, Matché Traore and Idrissa Kone. Erich strategically aligns OG’s vision, mission, and long-term goals with the resources needed to expand access to the cultural arts from Mali, West Africa, in the Bay Area, and beyond.

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