IMAGE GALLERY: Musician Shares West African Music

The Westborough Public Library was feeling the beat on Tuesday night at the Drum Away the Global Blues: A celebration of the Music and Rhythms of West Africa. The program is a part of the library’s Adult Summer Reading Program, Novel Destinations.  

Craig Harris created the program to explore music from the West African countries. As a percussionist, Harris knows the importance of the drum to West African musical culture, but he also learned of the other instruments that play a part in the music. He pointed out the different instruments, musical style, and cultural influences that comprise the West African music.

Craig Harris has been a percussionist for fifty years and he embarked upon a lifelong journey of exploring all music. He described it as a “quest to know the language of music.”

Harris recently retired after 26 years as a public school music teacher. He said he created this program to share his love and passion with others. Harris, also a photographer and writer, described himself as a lover of all music and has over 70,000 albums in his personal collection.

About a dozen people came to the library to participate in the program. The evening began with an hour-long film that explored the countries of West Africa and the unique sounds that derive from each place. He presented the most popular artists, instruments, and beats from each location. Following the presentation, Harris invited the audience to participate in a jam session so each person could listen to or participate in percussion music.

Harris offers similar programs about Irish music and Native music. To learn more about Craig Harris and his program, visit his facebook page.

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