20706: Wilcken: LA TROUPE MAKANDAL INVITES YOU TO A CD SIGNING ON APRIL 8 IN MANHATTAN (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Lois E Wilcken <makandal-ny@juno.com>

For immediate release

Contact:  Lois Wilcken, 718-953-6638, makandal-ny@juno.com

LA TROUPE MAKANDAL, NEW YORK'S CENTER FOR HAITIAN DRUM AND DANCE, INVITES
YOU TO A CD SIGNING ON APRIL 8 IN MANHATTAN

Master Drummer Frisner Augustin and La Troupe Makandal celebrate Haiti's
200th birthday with the release of a new compact disc, Prepare, and
invite the public to a CD signing (details below) to mark the release.
Drawing on dynamic Afro-Haitian spiritual traditions, the recording
delivers a virtuoso display of drums, percussion, and vocals, making it a
must for collectors, educators, and believers.

We have named Prepare—a word with identical spelling and meaning in
Haitian Creole and English— after its title track.  The songs on this
track speak to the commitment of Vodou initiates, and, more broadly, to
the determination of the Haitian people as they enter their third century
of nationhood.  Seven tracks in all reflect on the diverse roots of Haiti
as embodied in the beat and character of Vodou's family of nations:
Rada, Djouba, Nago, Petwo, and Kongo.  The balance achieved under the
roof of the temple (our CD) drives home the unifying and revolutionary
power of the spirit.

The magical voice of Rozna Zila (Rosena Marie Philippe) takes principal
lead in the recording's antiphonal singing.  Several songs feature
Frisner Augustin and Sandy St. Cyr in the lead, and Smith Destin spices
the vocal stew with messages from Haiti's legendary Grann Nanna.
Drummers and percussionists carry both the choral response and the rich
counterpoint of the Vodou orchestra.  Following the lead drum of Master
Drummer Augustin (NEA Heritage Fellow, 1999), they are Steve Deats (first
and second drums, conch shell), Marc Etienne (second, third, and bass
drums, bell), Guy de Chalus (third drum, bell), and Kesler Pierre (bass
drum, bell, conch shell).  Donald Etienne and Lois Wilcken contribute
additional vocal support.  Steve Deats produced Prepare with Frisner
Augustin, Marc Etienne, and Guy de Chalus.  Kesler Pierre designed the
cover and art work, with photography by Chantal Regnault, and Dr. Lois
Wilcken wrote the case notes.  Prepare was recorded and mixed by Joe Q.

Copies of the new release will be available for sale at the signing
party, along with live performance and refreshments.  Please join us
Thursday, April 8, 7 pm, at City Lore, 72 East First Street (near First
Avenue). Take the F train to Second Avenue and exit at the First Avenue
stairway.  Those who cannot attend or would like to purchase a copy of
Prepare now may visit the Boutique page of  www.makandal.org and follow
order instructions.  You may also call 718-953-6638, or email us at
makandal-ny@juno.com.