LakeFest: Workshops

Kalimba Workshop with Kinobe

Saturday, June 11, 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

In this workshop Ugandan musician, educator, and creative arts producer Chinobay Kinobe will teach you the basics of the Kalimba while sharing cross-cultural experiences and learning journeys, introducing participants to Africa’s cultural arts and social studies to global students of all ages.

As an accomplished educator, this Ugandan musician leads participatory workshops and presentations to bring the unique understanding of how we connect as humans across cultural and national lines. On-site registration for this workshop is required via the Festival Information Tent as space is limited.

Lakou Miznik Workshop

History and Sounds of Haiti

Sunday, June 12, 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Rara is akin to Haiti’s version of New Orleans second line bands. Each neighborhood has their own band and throughout the country rival Rara groups have music showdowns. Rara consists of a series of single note horns and percussion. The horns were originally made from Bamboo but now consist of bas shorans made from PVC piping and Higher melodic horns made from tin and aluminum.

Lakou Mizik has two of the top players from the #1 Rara band in Haiti in it. You will not only hear about the history but also see how a melody is put together - ending in a mini Rara march around the space. Space is limited. On-site registration for this workshop is required via the Festival Information Tent as space is limited.

What is The Columbia Festival of the Arts?

The Columbia Festival of the Arts is a multi-weekend event that celebrates music, art, and entertainment. Each Festival kicks off in June with Lakefest, a free, three-day outdoor celebration at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront. Lakefest includes live performances, children's creative activities, a juried fine arts and crafts show, a variety of hands-on workshops for all ages and outdoor festival food fare.

The days following LakeFest are comprised of a variety of free and ticketed events, including performances in multiple disciplines, master classes, workshops, fine art exhibitions, literary offerings, film and frequent opportunities to interact directly with artists.