Denbaya Special Events

Denbaya aspires to bring authentic West African music and culture to Ashland, Oregon. Africa Fêtes are an exciting way to bring a taste of the genuine African "village" into our region. Our goal is to truly share, through this unique venue, the artistry of West African drum and dance with individuals and families in the Pacific Northwest. Further, Denbaya hopes that by establishing a strong cultural link in Ashland, Oregon we will support the efforts similar organizations in larger cities on the West Coast to recruit professional dancers and musicians.

Africa Fêtes are special events and a way to unite our family of drummers and dancers and those in our community who love to participate in and enjoy lively multicultural experiences. While Ashland and its regional vicinity is already recognized for a comparative wealth of artistic performance (the Shakespeare Festival and Britt Festival in particular), Ashland and the greater Southern Oregon region is still sorely lacking in performance and participatory activities related to people of color and alternative music. Denbaya will work to cement the region's reputation for quality artistic events while at the same time broadening the scope of our artistic community.

Denbaya's Africa Fêtes offer a way for families to come together and truly be a part of an African experience. The Africa Fêtes are created to be intensive two-day festival programs complete with drum instruction (beginning, intermediate and advanced levels), dance instruction (all ability levels), drum building workshops, kid-focused hands-on activities (drumming, dancing, crafts). In addition to the instructional and informational formats, Denbaya gives participants an opportunity to experience interpretive exhibits, purchase fairly-traded, authentic African clothing, jewelry, instruments, and traditional foods.

The highlight of the two-day Africa Fêtes are rousing evening performances by Company Forè-Foté, Wakili, and Denbaya's specially invited guests.