Music Exchange with The Crow and the Canyon

The US American Bluegrass Band The Crow and the Canyon visited Modzi Arts for an exchange programme with Zambian musicians. A two days workshop was held at Modzi Arts and was followed by a public concert at EastPark mall.

Concert at EastPark Mall on 4th April 2018 © Amanda Rago-Kaufmann, Modzi Arts

On the 3rd and 4th of April 2018, Modzi Arts hosted the US American Bluegrass band The Crow and the Canyon, for a 2-part workshop and music exchange collaboration in Lusaka. This event brought together 13 young Zambian musicians form different musical backgrounds.
 
The first workshop on 3rd April 2018 adressed Traditional Music in the Modern World. While Theresa Ng’ambi and James Sakala  gave our guests an understanding of traditional Zambian folk songs, The Crow and the Canyon gave an introduction to Bluegrass and its instruments. The genres were explored with historical references and meanings as well as with musical demonstrations of technique and style. Like this many similarities between Kalindula and Bluegrass were found.
 
The second workshop on 4th April 2018 focused on The Business of Folk Music followed by a Jam Session. The Crow and the Canyon offered various strategies on marketing folk music online and using social media to promote music. Differences between Zambia and America were worked out and options of overcoming the same were discussed. Afterwards the musicians played music together and worked on two collaborative songs.
 
On 6th April 2018 the participants performed at East Park Mall for the public event Music for Wildlife. All participants of the workshop performed and John Chiti joined as a special guest. Between slots advocates of NGOs spoke to create awareness for their work. During the concert they had stands next to the stage to inform pedestrians. The following conservation NGOs took part in the event: It’s Wild, Birdwatch Zambia, Conservation Lower Zambezi and Wildlife Crime Prevention.  In addition to John Chiti’s performance Albino Foundation of Zambia had a stand, too.
 
This event was funded by the US Embassy Lusaka.