Event

Siembra

Siembra, meaning "to sow", works to develop and spread the musical percussion traditions of the Afro-Caribbean. Rooted principally in the rhythms of African ethnicities represented in Cuba: the Yoruba, the Dahomey, and the Congo or Bantu, Siembra explores this music with percussion and voice, representing the movement of music and culture through generations and geography. The group came together in New York City, one of the modern world centers of Afro-Caribbean culture, where these traditions live and evolve in a city as culturally diverse as there is; in community centers, dance studios, homes, and parks. Playing the rhythms rumba, bata, makuta, and bembe, Siembra plays rhythm to dance to, and play with a strong heart, newly spreading this good old music.

The group was organized by Dylan Blanchard, long-time Maine resident and member of Portland-area bands Grupo Esperanza and Olas.