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Bio
WHO ARE WE?
We are primarily a women's African drum, dance and spoken word ensemble. We are, however, grateful for the sage spirit, artistry and expertise of our male Artistic Director, Babu Atiba Walker, who also serves as Assistant Artistic Director of Muntu Dance Theater. We are among those who believe that the power of the drum can bring all people back to a place of spiritual connection, of wholeness, safety, overall well-being and great joy. Among our storytellers you will also find a bilingual storyteller, who is also a speech pathologist performing in Spanish and English or in Sign Language and Voice. We have an interior decorator, an accountant, singers, dancers, educators, nurses and poets. We heal in many ways, sharing our great love of life. And we’re on a journey…
WHAT IS OUR STORY?
Our story began when, under the direction of Mama Jendayi P. Anderson, we originally manifested her vision, performing as A Spiritual Journey Percussion Ensemble. With Mama Jendayi now retired from this collective, we continue the vision of reaching our greatest heights and we welcome audiences of all ages and cultures to join us under the name of Spiritual Journey. And we ARE on a journey …
WHY ARE WE UNIQUE?
We are a predominately female African percussion ensemble with varied talents and skills. This variance allows us to tailor performances and workshops to the specific needs of state and federal school standards, with teacher guides when requested. We also provide performances for high schools, university concerts, social service agencies, cultural arts events and the corporate sector.
WHERE DOES IT ALL COME FROM? WHERE CAN WE TAKE YOU?
This ensemble draws from traditional cultural and artistic influences of the vast continent of Africa, the Caribbean Islands and the Americas. Spiritual Journey, through music and spoken word, can stimulate listeners to travel back into the past, to be propelled with confidence, vision and hope into the future, and to reassess where they are in their lives right now.
READY TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW AND HAVE FUN, TOO?
Our performances teach, providing frequently unknown cultural info. They lift the spirit, encouraging self-love, self-appreciation, self-respect, a respect for our elders and for ALL people, an appreciation for those who have gone before us, and acknowledgement of The Divine. They also allow for everyone to just have fun while playing instruments with us, singing, dancing and telling stories that will have you laughing yourself to tears or moving you into a space of private reflection. Our performances celebrate life while also teaching history, culture, character building, even facilitating the improvement of language development and literacy skills for children. We will guide you through the magic of silence and sound, opening doors to new wonders. Our teachers’ guides encourage that children continue to learn and to remember.
WE WILL TRAVEL NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONALLY
We do travel; so, distance is not an issue. Yes, we are on a SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. Won’t you join us?
For further information, please contact:
Mama Edie Armstrong
MamaEdie2@gmail.com
http://www.sonicbids.com/Spiritual Journey
http://storytelling.org
(773) 879-6773
Funding support for 501(c)(3) entities has been made available through the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
(Please click onto "Set List" to view partial listing of clients/events that we have performed for.)
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“It was not only entertaining, informative and fun, but it was so empowering!” - Audience member of Social Service Agency Conference
“Your use of Spanish in your performance was excellent for our Latino students! Muchisimas gracias!” – Elementary School Principal
“You guys are HOT!” – Smiling, energetic high school student
“I didn’t know I could still dance!” – Elder audience participant on stage with us at a regional National Storytelling Network Conference
“…we’ve been friends for so many years, I knew I could count on you to be here, to be on time and to give us something wonderful, to help us to feel our connections to each other. And your use of Spanish in the performance made it even more perfect! You guys were great! Thank you so much!” – Carlos Flores, Founder, Afro-Latin Institute
“Including Sign Language was a wonderful added dimension for both the deaf and the hearing.” - Audience member at the African Festival of the Arts
“I don’t know who enjoyed it more: the students or me!” – High School Teacher
“Thank you for your outstanding performance at the Fun Time Stage during the 28th Annual Taste of Chicago. With a reported attendance of 3,565,000 over 10 days, you helped to make the event a bit hit! Thanks again and I look forward to working with you in the future!” - Ivy Hall, Taste of Chicago
“As a Mexican American who also loves Brazil, I’m excited to be producing my first CD done in Bra
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