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PAST EVENTS

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WELCOME BACK Kahlil Cummings and Rachel Hernandez!

Sol Axe welcomes back an Extra Ancestral experience with Kahlil Cummings and Rachel Hernandez!

Here for two days only, two classes to dive deep into the rhythms, song, and movement inspired by the Orixa mythology of Iemanja.

THURSDAY, FEB 6th - 7:00 - 9:00 PM
AFRO BRAZILIAN DRUMMING with KAHLIL CUMMINGS:

Join members of Sol Axe as we learn rhythms inspired by Iemanja, both traditional and contemporary, as well as a review of rhythms taught during the Tucson Meet Yourself workshop!

Open to all - and a great time to join Sol Axe!

Instruments provided but feel free to bring your own if you have (ex: caixa or snare, surdos, repinique, congas, timbal, agogo or similar).

$20 per person

FRIDAY, FEB 7th - 6:30 -8:00 PM
ORIXA INSPIRED DANCE CLASS with RACHEL HERNANDEZ:

This class is an opportunity to move with intention, inspired by the mythology and the movement of Iemanja. Rachel teaches from a deep well of experience, both professionally and spiritually. Live drumming by Kahlil and community drummers.

In the folkloric spirituality of Bahia, Brazil - Iemanja is recognized as the Orixa (deity) of the ocean, the mother of all, strong and protective of her children, comforting them and cleansing them of their sorrows. She is associated with water, the moon, and is said to govern all things relating to women: childbirth, conception, parenting, child safety, love, and healing.

Her feast day in Bahia is FEBRUARY 2 - where the community, wearing white, processes to the beaches to offer respect and gifts in her honor.
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Wearing white welcome, as well as bringing your intentions for the year. Your choice. All levels.

$20

Interested in joining Sol Axe and diving deeper with the Extra Ancestral project? Kahlil Cummings is our guiding music director and we'll be working with this material for future performances for 2020!

Participants from either the drum or dance class (or both) are invited to come to the rest of February rehearsals with Sol Axe, held Tuesdays 6:30-8:30.

Both classes and all rehearsals held at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory, 1013 S Tyndall Ave
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Sol Axe is honored to welcome the Extra Ancestral Ensemble for the first time to Tucson Meet Yourself! We thank TMY for the incredible support to bring these artists to our community!

Kahlil Cummings and Rachel Hernandez begin the weekend with their Afro Brazilian Drum and Dance Workshop on Friday, Oct 11 - 6PM (click on the link for the event page)

Saturday night, Oct 12, 8PM - get ready for the Kahlil Cummings and the Extra Ancestral Ensemble, Rachel Hernandez and members of Bloco Obini, special guest QVLN - Quetzal Guerrero and members of Sol Axé - for an amazing show; fusions of hypnotic Afro-beat, Reggae, jazz, Afro-Latin and Traditional African diasporic rhythms.

Sunday, Oct 13, 2PM - join us for fun jam with Sol Axe Afro Brazilian Drum and Dance ensemble - with special guests QVLN, Kahlil Cummings and Rachel Hernandez.

Thank you for supporting these artists, and for supporting Tucson Meet Yourself!
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ROSANGELA SILVESTRE TUCSON RESIDENCY 2017
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​ROSANGELA SILVESTRE
www.silvestretraining.com – please visit her website for her international trainings and schedule, including her intensives in Brazil in January and August, as well as appearance at California Brazil Camp.
 
Choreographer, instructor, dancer and creator of the Silvestre Dance Technique, Rosangela is a native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance and post-graduated specializing in choreography, achieving her degree from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). She has researched dance and music in Brazil, India, Egypt, Senegal and Cuba as part of her ever-evolving and eclectic palette of movement. She acquired training in such diverse techniques as: Martha Graham, Limón, Horton, Floor Bar, Classic Ballet, Dunham Technique, and has experienced diverse dance expressions - such as Germany Theater Dance, Contemporary, Folkloric, as well as Traditional dances of Africa and other continents. Her instructors include Raimundo Bispo dos Santos (Mestre King), Mercedes Baptista, Clayde Morgan, Carlos Moraes, Nelma Seixas, among others, beginning in the late 1970s. Since 1981, Ms. Silvestre started to travel in and out of Brazil to teach, to train dancers, to perform, to lecture and to demonstrate, to consult, and attended seminars and residencies in diverse universities, dance festivals such as: Colorado College Dance Festival;
New Orleans Dance Festival; and dance camps such as the California Brazil Camp each year.  She choreographed numerous dance pieces for companies based in Brazil - Balé Folclórico da Bahia and Odunde - as well as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company, Ballet Hispanico Repertory Company, American Academy of Ballet, Roots of Brazil, Dance Brazil, Viver Brasil, Muntu Dance Theater, and the Kendra Kimbrough Dance Company. Her dance investigation and constant development created an opportunity to connect with the eclectic American musician Steve Coleman, with whom she traveled to diverse countries which have African roots in their music and dance. With Steve Coleman, Rosangela developed an idea to have the body as an instrument that provides the movement-form of any sound that can be captured - thereby discovering and creating dance at any moment. Rosangela is currently the choreographer of Viver Brasil Dance Company Directed by Linda Yudin and Luiz Badaró. 
Rosangela's use of her voice is an integral part of her work in dance. In September 2011 she completed the CD:
"Voices of Nature" recorded and produced by Mike Zecchino at The Nail Recording Studio in Tucson, Arizona. 
Visit CD BABY to listen and purchase. 
 


Join us for an incredible residency! 
Rosangela Silvestre returns to Tucson for her Spring Residency!

​JOIN THE FACEBOOK EVENT!

For the first time, Sol Axé welcomes master drummer Kahlil Cummings, music director for Viver Brazil (LA)!

COST:
$15 drop in
$25 for any two classes
All seven classes (incl Samba de Roda) $85

SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY - 4/8 - at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory

Symbology of the Orixas
5:00 - 6:30 PM

SUNDAY - 4/9 - at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory

Silvestre Technique - Open Level
2:00 - 3:30 PM

Symbology of the Orixas
4:30 - 6:00 PM

MONDAY - 4/10 - at Movement Culture - Guest teaching Yarrow King's class

Symbology of the Orixas
7:00 - 8:30 PM

TUESDAY 4/11 - no dance class
Afro Brazilian Drum Workshop with Kahlil Cummings of Viver Brazil
6:00 - 8:00 PM at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
See Facebook Event
$10 for Silvestre Dance Residency participants

WEDNESDAY - 4/12 - at Artifact Dance Project

Silvestre Technique - Open Level
6:30 - 8:00 PM

THURSDAY - 4/13 - Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
​LAST CLASS - BRING SKIRTS!

Symbology of the Orixas
6:00 - 7:30 PM

SAMBA de RODA - the roots of samba!
7:30 - 9:00 PM

LOCATIONS:
Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
1013 S Tyndall Ave

Movement Culture
435 E 9th St
 
Artifact Dance Project
17 E Toole

AFRO BRAZILIAN DRUM WORKSHOP with KAHLIL CUMMINGS!
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KAHLIL CUMMINGS 
www.kahlilcummings.com – please visit his website for extended bio and works

Kahlil Cummings, a Los Angeles native, is an acclaimed drummer, exceptional performer, composer, and educator. Kahlil was recognized as a child prodigy very early; since childhood, he has played with numerous reputable groups including Ballet Folclórico Do Brasil, Sona Sané, Abalayé, Mila Samba School, Inu Olorun, Debbie Allen Dance Company, Les Amazones, and Viver Brasil. Kahlil honed his rhythmic gifts with noted teachers including Mestre Amen Santo, Jose Ricardo Sousa, Kobla Ladzekpo, Esteban “Cha Cha” Bacallao (Ibae), and Sandy Perez. His studies in Guinea, Brazil and Cuba have helped to widely broaden his knowledge and musical strength.
JOIN THE FACEBOOK EVENT!

Sol Axé is honored to welcome Viver Brazil music director and LP percussionist, Kahlil Cummings to Tucson!


Join the Sol Axé community drum ensemble and learn Afro Brazilian rhythms! We'll be learning with the intent to share the rhythms with the Tucson community thorughout the year. This is a great opportunity to be part of sharing the collective joy through drum and dance!

Tuesday, April 11
6:00 - 8:00 PM

$10 drop in
$5 student and youth

Rhythm Industry Performance Factory

1013 S Tyndall Ave

Instruments provided, but if you have a Brazilian or African instrument, feel free to bring.

In this workshop, Kahlil will be sharing his extensive knowledge of Afro Brazilian and Candomble inspired rhythms. He is a master at teaching in the community setting to people of all ages and musical abilities, from youth on up.

His style is engaging and full energy, and his intention is all about building community and honoring his teachers and mentors. We will all come away with the ability to play music together with collective joy, and with respect to the culture that inspires the rhythms we learn.

In addition to his extensive professional work with African, Brazilian, and Cuban music, Kahlil teaches community drumming classes in the LA neighborhood where he grew up.

​Please visit www.kahlilcummings.com to read more about his accomplishments
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​KIMBERLY MIGUEL MULLEN and MARK LAMSON
AFRO CUBAN and AFRO BRAZILIAN
​DRUM and DANCE RESIDENCY


​Kimberly Miguel Mullenand Mark Lamson bring their years of collaboration with Afro Cuban and Afro Brazilian music and dance.

SUNDAY - 5/28 - 2:00-4:00 PM
BATA KETU DRUMMING WORKSHOP with MARK LAMSON
ALL LEVELS

Come join the co-creator of the landmark CD, Bata Ketu, MARK LAMSON for a workshop that will take you through the musical and cultural connections between Cuba and Brazil. Mark is a master at getting everyone of all levels playing as he orchestrates the group through the folkloric rhythms on instruments from both cultures. 

$15 for two hour workshop.
$10 students

SUNDAY - 5/28 - 4:30-6:00 PM
AFRO BRAZILIAN DANCE CLASS with KIMBERLY MIGUEL MULLEN

We welcome back KIMBERLY MIGUEL MULLEN to Tucson for her amazing dance classes!
Sunday's class will focus on the Afro Brazilian inspired movement, with LIVE drumming led by Mark Lamson, and joined by Sol Axe and Tucson community drummers.
All levels welcome!

$15 drop in/ $10 for students

BOTH SUNDAY WORKSHOPS - $25

Sunday workshops at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
1013 S Tyndall Ave

MONDAY, 5/29 - 7:00-8:30 PM
AFRO CUBAN DANCE CLASS with 
KIMBERLY MIGUEL MULLEN
Live Drumming led by MARK LAMSON and Tucson community drummers!

Join KIMBERLY MIGUEL MULLEN for an energetic Afro Cuban dance class exploring the polyrhythmic movement and folkloric rhythms of Cuba!

$15 drop
$10 students
$10 for Sunday Workshop participants

Monday class at Movement Culture 435 E 9th St

MARK LAMSON:
With countless recordings and performances to his credit, Mark Lamson is highly sought after for his integrity, experience, and expertise in a broad range of musical styles. While Mark’s repertoire includes R&B, rock, latin jazz, New Orleans brass band, funk, country and hip hop, his true mastery and passion lies in fusing the popular and traditional music of Brazil and Cuba with modern American and Latin American styles. One of Mark's greatest achievements to date has been the creation, recording and performance of Bata Ketu with San Francisco musician, Michael Spiro. Conceived as a fusion and interplay of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian folkloric music, Mark and Michael produced the CD in 1996, and it is hailed around the world as being a landmark recording. It is registered with the Smithsonian Institute and has received funding from the Rockefeller Institute.

KIMBERLY MIGUEL MULLEN:
Kimberly Miguel Mullen, an internationally acclaimed choreographer and dance ethnologist, has performed in the USA, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Hong Kong. As a solo artist, she was one of a chosen few to perform with the late legendary Cuban percussionist Francisco Aguabella. The Los Angles Times has described her movement as “spectacularly supple,” a well-crafted mixture of Silvestre contemporary dance and traditional techniques from the African diaspora. Mullen, who earned a Master of Arts degree in Dance from UCLA’s Department of World Arts and Cultures actively pursues her interests in dance ethnography and traveling throughout the world while creating links among cultures through the expression of dance.

Based in Los Angeles, Mullen offers spirited and educational dance classes, workshops, retreats, and cultural immersion programs worldwide. Mullen is a University dance professor at Occidental College since 2006 and has taught at University of California Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University, California State University of Los Angeles, and Portland State University. Since 2005, Mullen has been recognized as a popular dance and fitness DVD personality and choreographer renowned for infusing traditional dance forms into mainstream markets. Her debut dance workout DVD, “Dance and Be Fit: Brazilian Body,” was awarded “Best Dance DVD” by Health Magazine in 2009.

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Sol Axé will once again be performing at the Tucson Meet Yourself festival​!  
This year we will be playing on

Sunday, October 15, 2017
4:00pm at the Alameda Street Stage


Come out and support wonderful musical groups and amazing food from the Tucson community!

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Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 6:00pm
Come out and be a part of one of the largest, Tucson events! The 28th All Souls Procession, made possible by Many Mouths One Stomach, has a long-standing tradition of bringing people together to celebrate and mourn the lives of our loved ones and ancestors.  For more information, please visit allsoulsprocession.org


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​THIS FRIDAY TMY at 9PM
CITY HALL STAGE!

For many years, this drum and dance community in its many carnations, has had the privelage of sharing Brazilian and World inspired drum and dance at TUCSON MEET YOURSELF!

JOIN US this Friday for awesome drumming and dance inspired by Brazil!

THIS SUNDAY is DANCE CLASS!

Continue with the fun from Friday by joining us for Sol Axe Dance Class with LIVE Drummingtaught by Esteban Sanchez!
This Sunday we will be doing samba reggae and samba afro. Along with finding the deep grounded movements, we will concentrate on smoothly bringing out the power that comes from the two styles.  

4:00-6:00 PM
Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
1013 S Tyndall Ave.
$10

ALL SOULS PROCESSION JOIN US!

Beginning on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11th, we'll be getting ready for the ALL SOULS PROCESSION.

Four (4) Tuesday Rehearsals - Come DRUM or DANCE to the Samba Afro Rhythms!
Includes instruction, use of instrument, and t-shirt!
Oct 11, 18, 25, and Nov 1

$50 - a portion of proceeds go to MMOS/ASP


The All Souls Procession is SUNDAY, NOV 6th

The theme this year is the The Hunter and the Hunted. For * the Hunter* we'll be wearing green for the Orixa Oxossi the Hunter.

We are a project under MANY MOUTHS ONE STOMACH and it's an honor to be part of this event, and to support it, every year.

ROSANGELA SILVESTRE RETURNS! FALL RESIDENCY 2016
(please visit and reply to the Facebook Event)


Rosangela Silvestre returns to Tucson! A rare Fall Residency opportunity!
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Returning to the US from Salvador after her August Intensive, Rosangela spent a week at California Brazil Camp and will be coming from residencies in the Bay Area.

For the first time, we welcome drummer/ CBC accompanist and student of master teacher, Jorge Alabe, Mark Machina. Joining Mark will be Solidarite Sympa to create an incredible energetic fusion for the Orixa Inspired Movement.

All classes are $15 - multiple class pricing opportunity forthcoming

JUST ADDED! 
Saturday, September 24th - SAMBA de RODA!
Exact time (evening) being finalized - at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
Come learn Samba de Roda the way Rosangela learned - bring a skirt if you have one!
Continued open roda and music after the class
POTLUCK! Bring a dish to share!
Let's connect through this community dance!
$10 drop in 

ORIXA INSPIRED DANCE - Open Level -Confirmed times

Monday - Sept 19 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM (Yarrow's class time)
Movement Culture

Thursday - Sept 22 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM (Jen's class time)
Movement Culture

Friday - Sept 23 - 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Center for Expressive Arts - 3838 E Ft. Lowell - please consider CARPOOLING

Sunday - Sept 25 - 4:30 to 6:00 PM (Sol Axe class time)
Rhythm Industry Performance Factory

SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE - Intermediate and Advanced Level

This fall, Silvestre Technique classes will be an invitation to DIVE DEEP. Skill level is less important than the willingness to truly BE PRESENT and OPEN to being strongly encouraged to see what you can DISCOVER about yourself within this movement. You will be expected to leave your hesitation at the door.

PLEASE RSVP for the specific Technique classes you will be attending HERE!

6:00 PM - 7:20 PM - Tuesday, Sept 20th at ARTIFACT with the Advanced Contemporary Class, 17 E Toole

6:30 - 8:00 PM Wednesday at the Center for Expressive Arts Therapy, 3838 E Ft Lowell

12:00 Noon - 1:30 PM - Saturday, Sept 24th at ARTIFACT with Performance Company Dancers (Adv), 17 E Toole

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Sunday, Sept 25th at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
1013 S Tyndall Ave

**Orixa Dance Movement following at 4:30 - 6:00 PM




Please visit www.silvestretraining.com for in depth information about Rosangela's work all around the world.


ROSANGELA SILVESTRE RESIDENCY - TUCSON 2016
​March 28 - April 3rd

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****Pre Paid Options:  8 Community Level Classes, Silvestre Technique at BodyWorks, Advanced Level Silvetre Technique with Artifact***

​JOIN US for Rosangela Silvestre's return to the TUCSON directly from Brazil, her first stop for 2016!

Sol Axe is proud to welcome our teacher and friend, and to be in collaboration with Capoeira Malandragem's Southwest Regional Batizado and drummers in the Tucson Community.

For those considering coming from out of town, there will be a lot happening in Tucson: Silvestre Residency, Capoeira Malandragem - UCA Tucson SW Regional Batizado 2016 , and MoCtoberFest Spring Carnival.

Mestre Marcos Mariano Silva will be here for the Capoeira Malandragem Batizado, and will leading drumming for the Wednesday and Thursday Orixa classes, and offering high energy Samba classes immediately following! (link forthcoming!)

You know how things go! Magic happens with collaborations!
This is going to be an amazing week!

Final details on some locations and times, as well as any additional classes will be updated here, so please continue to check back frequently!

For MONDAY, TUESDAY, SUNDAY(2) Classes:
$15 drop in - Any two classes $25
(Sol Axe members,Students with ID, Capoeira Batizado Participants - $10)

For WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY Classes - Two classes Wednesday!
$10 each class ($10 each class for Wed, Thurs class $10)

FRIDAY CLASS - ADVANCED SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE
This class will be at an advanced level. Performers, teachers, prior experience studying with the Silvestre Technique. Hosted by Artifact Dance Company with live music.
$20 (separate pricing from package)

SATURDAY CLASS - OPEN LEVEL SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE
Class hosted by Body Works Pilates and space is limited so please RSVP/prepay if you are coming from out of town/want to secure space.
$15 (separate pricing from package)

Schedule:

Monday 3/28 7:00-8:30 PM - Orixa Dance Movement at Movement Culture - Live Drumming by Sol Axe and Guests

Tuesday 3/29 7:30-9:00 PM - Orixa Dance Movement at Rhythm Industry - Live Drumming by Sol Axe and Guests

Wednesday 3/30 6:00-7:30 PM Orixa Inspired Dance at Movement Culture with drumming by Mestre Marcos Mariano SIlva and Capoeira Malandragem

Thursday - 3/31 7:00-8:30 PM Orixa Inspired Dance at Movement Culture with drumming by Mestre Marcos Mariano Silva and Capoeira Malandragem

Friday - 4/1 5:00-7:00 PM- ADVANCED LEVEL Silvestre Technique with Artifact Dance Project - Live Music!
In conjunction with advanced perofrmers and teachers at Artifact, this class is for those who teach and perform at an advanced level.

Saturday - 4/2 10:00-11:30 AM Silvestre Technique at
Body Works Central - OPEN LEVEL

Sunday - 4/3 Silvestre Technique and Orixa at Rhythm Industry
2:30-4:30 PM Silvestre Technique OPEN LEVEL 
5:00-6:30 PM Orixa Dance Movement - Live Drumming by Sol Axe and Guests Bubba Faz and more

ABOUT ROSANGELA:
Rosangela Silvestre Choreographer, instructor, dancer and creator of the Silvestre Dance Technique, Rosangela is a native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Dance and post-graduated specializing in choreography, achieving her degree from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). She has researched dance and music in Brazil, India, Egypt, Senegal and Cuba as part of her ever-evolving and eclectic palette of movement. She acquired training in such diverse techniques as: Martha Graham, Limón, Horton, Floor Bar, Classic Ballet, Dunham Technique, and has experienced diverse dance expressions - such as Germany Theater Dance, Contemporary, Folkloric, as well as Traditional dances of Africa and other continents. Her instructors include Raimundo Bispo dos Santos (Mestre King), Mercedes Baptista, Clayde Morgan, Carlos Moraes, Nelma Seixas, among others, beginning in the late 1970s. Since 1981, Ms. Silvestre started to travel in and out of Brazil to teach, to train dancers, to perform, to lecture and to demonstrate, to consult, and attended seminars and residencies in diverse universities, dance festivals such as: Colorado College Dance Festival; 
New Orleans Dance Festival; and dance camps such as the California Brazil Camp each year. She choreographed numerous dance pieces for companies based in Brazil - Balé Folclórico da Bahia and Odunde - as well as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company, Ballet Hispanico Repertory Company, American Academy of Ballet, Roots of Brazil, Dance Brazil, Viver Brasil, Muntu Dance Theater, and the Kendra Kimbrough Dance Company. Her dance investigation and constant development created an opportunity to connect with the eclectic American musician Steve Coleman, with whom she traveled to diverse countries which have African roots in their music and dance. With Steve Coleman, Rosangela developed an idea to have the body as an instrument that provides the movement-form of any sound that can be captured - thereby discovering and creating dance at any moment. Rosangela is currently the choreographer of Viver Brasil Dance Company Directed by Linda Yudin and Luiz Badaró. 
Rosangela's use of her voice is an integral part of her work in dance. In September 2011 she completed the CD:
"Voices of Nature" recorded and produced by Mike Zecchino at The Nail Recording Studio in Tucson, Arizona. 
Visit CD BABY to listen and purchase.

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JOIN US at MOCTOBERFEST! - SATURDAY APRIL 2nd
We kick it off with a Procession with Flam Chen at 6:30 PM!
Our Show Follows the Procession!

Come see our show,  "Ashe! Ache! Axe!" - a journey  through the traditional rhythms of the African Diaspora to modern day Africa, Cuba, and Brazil. Drumming, song, and dance! Collaborations with Guillermo "Bubba" Faz, and Robert "Swami" Peizer.

PROCESSION with FLAM CHEN Stilters - 6:30 PM on the Mercado Grounds! You'll be able to hear us!

​STAGE SHOW AFTER - MAIN STAGE behind the MERCADO -between 7:00-7:30 PM


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 MEET THE MUSICIANS! (Pink Martini details HERE)
Sol Axe's relationship with BRIAN DAVIS is through CALIFORNIA BRAZIL CAMP, where many of us have experienced him as an instructor of beginning bateria, as well as sticking technique classes and more. He's a fantastic teacher, and lots of fun. He's been to Tucson before, and felt very welcome and looks forward to the opportunity to teach when the Pink Martini tour comes our way. Here is more about BRIAN DAVIS:

Brian Lavern Davis was raised in Portland, Oregon, and his musical studies have taken him to India, Japan, New York, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Jamaica and Brazil. His teachers include Jorge Alabe, Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro, Obo Addy, Yacub Addy, Jose Ricardo Santos & Ballet Folklorico do Bahia, Colin Walcott, Michael Spiro, Keith Terry, Los Muñequitos de Mantanzas, Bruno Moraes ( Mocidade Indepente de Padre Miguel), Jorge Martins (Maracatu Estrella Brilhante de Recife), Marcos Suzano, and Nana Vasconcelos.
 
He has served on the faculties of Portland State University, Jefferson Performing Arts High School, and The Vancouver School of Arts & Academics, and conducted residencies at The Naropa Institute, Reed College, Lewis & Clark College, and many others.
 Brian is an original touring and recording member of Pink Martini ( 10 CD's, 1DVD, numerous world tours), is the founder and Director of the Lions of Batucada, an ever growing Brazilian dance and percussion ensemble, and formed and directs the “Ainsworth Jr. Escola,” a 117-member youth samba bateria (Portland, OR, USA, 1999 - present). He has toured and/or recorded with jazz legend Herbie Hancock, Pink Martini, Kalapana, Upepo, Obo Addy, Dub Squad, McKinley, Nu Shooz, Dan Reed Network and the show “BataKetu” among many others.
He has performed with a variety of symphonies across the U.S., Canada, and Europe - including the Boston Pops, The San Francisco Symphony, The National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, The BBC Concert Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall,The Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and The Oregon Symphony --- at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Brian served as the conductor for the nationwide Oregon Big Beat event, 2010/ 11.
His group the Lions of Batucada has shared the stage with David Byrne, Sean Lennon, and Fundo de Quintal among many others. The Lions have performed and collaborated with The Oregon Symphony, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Dandy Warhols, and rock legends Aerosmith, among others. They have recorded with Pink Martini and Pink Martini featuring The Von Trapps.
He has worked extensively with numerous dance companies in the U.S., including Do Jump Theater, Oslund & Co. , and Linda K Johnson.
When not touring with Pink Martini, he teaches body percussion and samba throughout the Pacific Northwest as part of the Young Audiences of Oregon and Washington program, teaches each Summer at the California Brazil Camp (2005 - present), and conducts samba workshops for a variety of baterias, schools, and music stores across the U.S., Taiwan, Beijing, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Recently inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame with Pink Martini (June 2014),  he has contributed articles to DRUM Magazine (July 2013), and was featured in an interview/focus piece in Drumhead Magazine (issue #29, September/October 2011).
Brian is sponsored by LP percussion (Latin Percussion).

MIGUEL BERNAL is a principal teacher/collaborator with one of Tucson's favorite master dance teachers, Kimberly Miguel Mullen, and many Cuban music enthusiasts are familiar with his excellent and deeply knowledgeable instruction at Humbolt Cuba Camp. Here is more about MIGUEL BERNAL:
​
Miguel Bernal Nodal is the principal percussionist for Conjunto Folklorico Raices Profundas and has been with the group for sixteen years.
Established in 1975 by Juan de Dios Ramos Morejon, raices Profundsas is on of the most hightly acclaimed Yoruban conjuntos in Cuba. Miguel toured with Japan, Mexico, Europe and South America with Raices. Mr. Bernal is one of the most sought after bataleros (player of the bata drums) in Havana. We recognize Miguel not only as a unique talent in the music community, but also as a hightly respected teacher. He has conducted numerous educational workshops in Rumba, Bembe, Guiro, and the cycle of the Congo (Makuta, Palo, Yuka) in the U.S. including universities in Montana, Colorado, Arizona, Nebraska, Oregon and California.

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Now in our 7th Year!

 MONSOON MANIA was born to throw a party in order to raise funds for members to attend CALIFORNIA BRAZIL CAMP. Camp is a place where we go to study with master music and dance teachers from Brasil and beyond, and we bring all that back to share with the Tucson Community! It is the best immersion in the music and dance culture of Brasil, without actually traveling to Brasil itself!

We also use funds to cover our expenses, as well as share a percentage with our parent group MANY MOUTHS, ONE STOMACH, the organizers of the ALL SOULS PROCESSION.






OPEN HOUSE for SOL AXÉ SUMMER SESSION!

Come and JOIN US next Tuesday, May 12th!

We will be having an OPEN HOUSE for people to come and learn all about joining our group for our summer sesson leading up to our BIG fundraising performance MONSOON MANIA!

Come listen to us play and dance, learn about the instruments, get a chance to try instruments and learn some dance moves. We'll tell you how it all works, our big event plans, as well as our "band camp for grown ups" -California Brazil Camp.

The OPEN HOUSE is free, and if you decide to JOIN US for the SUMMER SESSION (June and July) and pay on Tuesday, you can come to rehearsals and dance class for the rest of the month of May at NO ADDITIONAL FEE!

Our PARENT GROUP - MANY MOUTHS, ONE STOMACH gets a portion of all proceeds! This helps to support the ALL SOULS PROCESSION WEEKEND!

Summer Session with SOL AXE!
EVERY Tuesday in June and July - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1st PERFORMANCE - MONSOON MANIA!
Every Sunday Dance Class included! 
Instruments! ALL Instruction! T-Shirt!
$80 pp/ $45 for students with ID


JOIN the FACEBOOK EVENT!




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 ROSANGELA SILVESTRE RESIDENCY!

Mark your calendars for APRIL 13-20, 2015. ROSANGELA SILVESTRE returns from BRAZIL!

Classes in ORIXA DANCE MOVEMENT and SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE with LIVE DRUMMING 

PREPAY for ALL CLASSES by APRIL 12, 2015 - $70.00


Monday 4/13 at The Movement Shala
7:00-8:30 PM :: ORIXA DANCE MOVEMENT

Tuesday 4/14 at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
6:00-7:30 PM :: ORIXA DANCE MOVEMENT
7:30-9:00 PM :: SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE

Thursday 4/16 at The Movement Shala
7:00-8:30 PM :: ORIXA DANCE MOVEMENT

Friday 4/17 at The Movement Shala
6:30-8:00 PM :: ORIXA DANCE MOVEMENT

Saturday 4/18 - SILVESTRE TECHNIQUE WORKSHOPS
2:00 - 4:00 PM - The Movement Shala

Sunday 4/19 at Rhythm Industry Performance Factory
5:00 - 6:30 PM :: Orixa Dance Movement

CLASSES $15 drop in
Prepay for ALL CLASSES (7)- $70
Any Two Classes $24
Students with ID $10

***Wed, April 15th - Orixa Inspired Dance Class in Flagstaff with the Center for Indigenous Music and Culture​. Visit their page for the flyer and details!***
 
PLEASE SHARE THE EVENT ON FACEBOOK
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Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 4:00pm-12:00am

Sol Axé is so excited to support Many Mouths One Stomach in this fundraising event to support the All Souls Procession!  We will be parading and performing from 6:00-7:00pm, but make sure to come and out enjoy ALL the amazing performances!  Find out all the details at the Moctoberfest website:
http://moctoberfest.com/
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CLUB CARNAVAL - 2nd SATURDAY, MARCH 14th 
Come join us as we open up the evening for the exciting downtown, night time, 2nd Saturday CARNAVAL event!

Check out the details here:


https://www.facebook.com/events/1581219825440970/
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SusiePalooza! This Weekend!!
The SusieB Birthday Bash of the Century--the Big 5-0!

La Cocina Bar Food & Music (201 N Ct, Tucson, Arizona 85701)
Sunday, March 8, 2015 from 3:00-8:30pm

*This is a family-friendly event with Live music 3:00-830pm and an International Women's Day benefit for some of my favorite, premier Tucson not-for-profits that empower women and girls.
*Suggested Minimum Donation at the door: $10 (two five-spots), one for the bands, one for the NPO's. 


The band line-up features a handful of my favorite and former bands, all guaranteed to make you wanna SHAKE THAT THANG! 
3PM Hey, Bucko (featuring guitarists Buck Bucko and Brandon Phillips formerly of the legendary band Drama Club :) )
4pm Key Ingredients of African Soul--local wizards of Shona (Zimbabwe), West African High Life, Soukous, Reggae, and all things Mike Olson aka Doc Twang!
5pm The Wayback Machine (plus possible special guests, cuz they always have special guests, like Taza Guthrie, Bruce Blackstone,, Shanti Foster, just to name a few)
6pm Sol Axé --Brazilian drumming and music that will inspire joyful, ecstatic, smiling wide-as-the-sky dancing, I promise. 
7pm Mitzi Dasheya Cowell and her band, and Gary Mackender and his band, Black Skillet Review, will mash it up blues and New Orleans style 'til we close the place down. 

Proceeds will benefit all of the following:
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona 
KXCI Community Radio
Kore Press
Planned Parenthood of Arizona
YWCA Tucson
Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse
Ben's Bells Project
Literacy Connects
Our Family Services 


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THIS WEEKEND!!! SATURDAY, MARCH 7th




Sol Axé is excited to be participating in this FREE day of music, movement, food, and COMMUNITY!  Make sure to come out and show your support...as well as check the performance schedule!!! Sol Axé will be leading live drumming dance with Esteban Sanchez on the stage at 1:00pm. Check out more information on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/321790338031092

SOL AXE at TUCSON MEET YOURSELF!

It's time for Tucson Meet Yourself and a GLOBAL CARNAVAL!

JOIN US on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11th, beginning at 6:00PM! We will be parading with the rhythms of Maracatu up to the Church St. Stage, and then performing a rocking set of Brazilian grooves! Also part of the Carnaval will be Odaiko Sonora, Axe Capoeira, Flam Chem, Sticks and Fingers...it's going to be an AMAZING SHOW!!!
Come show the love on the Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/281059475419536/
SOL AXÉ to Host 6th ANNUAL MONSOON MANIA DANCE JAM FUNDRAISER!  

Got bell bottoms? Got some platform shoes?

GET THEM OUT.

Because we got SOUL...as in, a "SOOOOOOL TRAIN" to California Brazil Camp!  

Tucson, AZ July 16, 2014:  It is that time of year again when people are looking for fun, family friendly activities to do in the middle of the Sonoran Desert summer. For the 6th year in a row, Tucson’s Brazilian Inspired Drum and Dance community will be hosting just such an event: MONSOON MANIA DANCE JAM and FUNDRAISER!

This year our theme will be inspired by hit show “SOUL TRAIN”!

WE WANT COSTUMES inspired by that show’s late 70’s/early 80’s era of funk!

 Sol Axé will be performing a rocking set, along with their sister group Sambatuque from Flagstaff (www.sambatuque.org), a fantastic Capoeira demonstration by Capoeira Malandragem, stilters from Flam Chen, and plenty of 70’s Soul Train era dance jams to keep everyone dancing between performances and right through to the end.

Remember the Soul Train Dance Walk? Start practicing your moves to stroll down that line!

JOZARELLI’S Italian Street Food and DC JUMBIE Latin Fusion will be the fantastic FOOD TRUCKS on hand to keep you going!

This is a family friendly event, so bring a friend! Kids 12 and under are free.

This fundraiser is to support the continuing education of its current members and Directors traveling to California to attend California Brazil Camp. Attendees participate in a week long immersion in Brazillian music and dance instruction taught by master teachers from Brazil, and then bring it all back to the Tucson Community. A portion of the funds will also go to our parent group, MANY MOUTHS ONE STOMACH (www.manymouths.org)

MONSOON MANIA DANCE JAM and FUNDRAISER!

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2013 -7:00PM – 11:00PM

$10 – Kids Under 12 FREE

RHYTHM INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE FACTORY -1013 S. Tyndall Ave

 Sambatuque Samba School of Flagstaff, Capoeira Malandragem, Flam Chen Stilts, DJ Jams and Food Trucks!

 

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