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Explore the Cultural Roots and Contemporary Influences of
Seven African Nations at Spirit of West Africa

Seattle Center Festál: Spirit of West Africa , Saturday, May 12, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., in Seattle Center Armory/Center House, explores the cultural roots and contemporary influences of West African nations through live performances, cultural displays, hands-on activities, foods, children’s activities, films and a lively marketplace.

This lively and colorful festival features traditional dance and music by world-class artists from Senegal, Guinea, Benin, Ghana,  Zimbabwe, Congo, Uganda and Afro-Peruvian.

Beautiful and ancient artifacts are on display in the gallery and a slide show gives you a glimpse of daily life in West Africa today. In rooms nearby, there will be films by renowned African directors, and a display of African cloth. Children will have the opportunity to make Ghana -inspired stamped cloth near the gallery upstairs overlooking the stage.

On the Armory Main Level is the marketplace, teeming with interesting finds from the countries represented on stage as well as CD’s by the performing artists. A fashion show, profiles the beauty and ‘swag’ of the African people and their wonderfully creative dress. Watch them “strut their stuff” to the sound of ancient rhythms played by Thione and Gora Diop.

Experience the commonality of highly interactive dance and drumming as it appears in diverse  styles as we move from country to country- all with characteristic African joy, rhythm, and  wonderful expression of community and color. You will surely leave refreshed and inspired- having born witness to the joy of the African spirit as it manifests wherever there are Africans.

The 20 Seattle Center Festál cultural celebrations highlight the common forms of tradition and expression among ethnic communities in the Pacific Northwest, while underscoring their unique creative contributions, customs, foods and ideals. Each event offers moving entertainment and fascinating insight into a different culture of the world.

Spirit of West Africa is part of The Next Fifty at Seattle Center in 2012. The Festival is produced by Spirit of West Africa Committee in partnership with Seattle Center. For a full event schedule, visit www.thionediop.com (soon to be updated with 2012 Festival information), and for more information on this cultural series and other Seattle Center public programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com.

About Seattle Center Festál

Seattle Center Festál, part of The Next Fifty in 2012 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, presents a series of 20 world festivals on weekends throughout the year highlighting the distinct cultures and common threads of ethnic communities in our region through traditional and contemporary art, music, foods, youth activities, workshops and more. This collection of cultural events is produced with the generous support of Wells Fargo and KUOW 94.9 Public Radio. Additional support is provided by Seattle Center Foundation and the City of Seattle.

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