Marimbe Mbira and Zimbabwean potluck at the Oddfellows tonight

Anita Holladay forwarded the following letter from Nancy Koenig to Orcas Issues:

Dear Anita, just wanted to let you know that Learner [Limbach] is organizing an event scheduled for March 6th at the Oddfellows Hall and I am hoping you will help spread the word about it, as it is along the lines of what you were talking about when you sent out a previous email –– how to help Zimbabwe in this time of extremes?

James Mujuru is the son of renowned [mbira master] Ephat Mujuru, who passed away in 2005, I believe. Learner met him last summer when visiting other mbira players in Canada. James Mujuru lives on Salt Spring Island and is hoping to raise money for the project he has founded in Zimbabwe, a cultural center.

We heartily support him and his work and know that everyone who meets him will feel the same way. He is a very quiet and humble man, and a great talent.

We will have a potluck in his honor before the concert on the 6th and he will present a slide show, then on to the music. An hour of mbira by him, then marimba, with (we hope) three groups from different islands, one of which will be us on Orcas (our family with Jill and Maria).

A rare occasion –– a very special gathering, to help Zimbabwe in a small but direct way. James will also be available the next day for mbira lessons.

Anita adds:

“The Zimbabweans have been so generous in sharing their culture with us; it’s good to be able to support causes that help out in that oppressed country. The place is the Odd Fellows Hall, time is 6 pm for potluck with slide show, 8 pm for music,

Even if you have tickets for the Battlefield Band (too bad my two favorite kinds of music are happening the same night) please consider dropping by the potluck, meeting this man and finding out more about Zimbabwe!”