Drum Away The Global Blues: a Celebration of the Music & Rhythms of West Africa at Westborough Public Library

The Westborough Public Library presents, “Drum Away The Global Blues: a Celebration of the Music & Rhythms of West Africa” by Craig Harris on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. as part of the library’s Adult Summer Reading Program, Novel Destinations.

Music educator/author/percussionist Craig Harris uses video and audio recordings and interactive participation in a joyous celebration of the music and rhythms of West Africa.  From the Caribbean-influenced music of Guinea-Bissau to the Arabic sounds of Mauritania, from the blues guitar playing of Mali to the polyrhythmns of Nigeria, this 2-hour long program is a total immersion into the eclectic and vibrant musical traditions of the 16 countries comprising West Africa.

Possessing a Masters of Education and teaching certification in music and early education, Mr. Harris has been involved with music for nearly a half century.  Since leaving public education, after teaching music in public schools for 26 years, he’s brought his Drum Away The Blues program to libraries, childcare and senior centers, and schools throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.  He has written about music and shot photographs of musicians for newspapers, magazines, and websites since 1971 and is the author of several books on folk and world music.

This program is free and open to the public.  For more information, call the library at 508-366-3050.  Novel Destinations is sponsored by the Westborough Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.