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West African Drum Presentation and Workshop

Join us for Greenwich Library's Winter Wonderland Celebration, featuring master percussionists Desmond Howard and Sean Perham. These musical artists will present a 45-minute interactive session combining performance, lecture, and workshop elements focused on West African music and culture. The event will conclude with a 15-minute Q&A session. Sean and Desmond, who have collaborated for years in the acclaimed show STOMP, share a deep passion for African drumming. This workshop promises an energetic and immersive experience, engaging the audience in rhythms and traditions from various aspects of African culture and a great way to usher in the Kwanzaa holiday.

Date:
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Time:
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:
Marx Family Black Box Theater
Audience:
  Everyone  
Categories:
  Music and Concerts  
Registration has closed.

Desmond Howard is a versatile artist specializing in Traditional West African and Afro-Caribbean percussion and dance, as well as American Club and Street Dance forms. A Washington, D.C. native, Howard began his professional career at the young age of 12, collaborating with renowned groups such as Coyaba Dance Theater and Urban Artistry. His talent led him to join the cast of the Off-Broadway production STOMP in 2016, where he eventually secured the lead role in 2019 and led the final NYC closing show in January 2023. Currently, Howard serves as a lead musician for programs at prestigious institutions including the Alvin Ailey School, National Dance Institute, Marymount College, NYU, and the Misty Copeland Foundation. He is also a percussionist with Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble, one of the East Coast's leading Traditional West African Dance Companies. As Co-Founder and Musical Director of AmaKweku Cultural Arts, Howard is dedicated to preserving and promoting Traditional West African dance and music through community art programs for youth and adults, fostering deeper cultural identity and artistry. His academic background includes a B.A. in Contemporary Music from The New School, further enhancing his expertise in his field

Sean Perham is a versatile performer based in New York City, combining his talents as a musician, comedian, and actor. Since 2017, he has been a cast member of the world-renowned show STOMP, performing in their NYC, US Tour, and International Companies. Perham's musical career is marked by collaborations with notable artists such as Joe Locke, Arnie Lang, The Black Arm Band, The Brooklyn Steel Orchestra, Saakumu Dance Troupe, and So Percussion, in addition to his own bands and projects. As a studio drum set player and classical percussionist, Perham has graced the stages of prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and BAM, while also recording at renowned studios including Whitewater Studios, The Cutting Room, and Electric Lady. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Fredonia State University and a master's in Music Performance from NYU, both with a concentration in Percussion. Beyond his musical accomplishments, Perham has established himself as an actor and comedian in the NYC area. His on-camera commercial work features brands such as NFL, Budlight, Jose Cuervo, TouchTunes, and Manchester United. He has also made his mark in the stand-up and improv scene, performing at venues like UCB, Gotham Comedy Club, Greenwich Village Comedy Club, and The PIT, while also being a house team member at The Armory.