African Drum & Dance Circle

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

 and

The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

present

 African Drum & Dance

Led by Michael Skinkus

 Saturdays at 10:30 am

 At the National Park Service Dutch Alley visitor center

 916 N. Peters St, New Orleans, LA

Join in our Saturday morning drum circle for a meditative and theraputic experience of traditional Afro-Creole and African rhythms, dances, and chants as we honor those who came before us. (All levels welcome.)

Michael Skinkus is a multi-disciplinary percussionist, comfortable being involved with any kind of American roots and rock music. Skinkus plays Latin hand and stick drums, mostly congas, and little instruments of a wide variety. Born in Philadelphia, PA and starting out as a guitarist, he moved to the Crescent City to study at Tulane University in 1987. Earning a B.A. in Latin American Studies and an M.A. in Ethnomusicology, he easily folded into the melting pot of the local modern music scene. Subsequent trips to Puerto Rico, Haiti and Cuba furthered his understanding of ethnic rhythms, so much a part of jazz, world and other musics. Spreading the word further, Skinkus is an adjunct professor at Delgado University, and teaches privately. Credits as a sideman among the many groups he has worked with include stints with Dr. John, Joe Krown, Michael Ray & the Cosmic Krewe, Charles Neville, Wayne Maureau, ¡Cubanismo!, Smilin' Myron, Irma Thomas, Judith Owen, Johnny Adams and the Radiators.

Fees

Free and open to the public

Location

National Park Service French Quarter visitor center in Dutch Alley - 916 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116. We are behind the row of shops on Decatur St. Walk between the sock shop and the sunglasses shop. We are next to the Marche event space and the Dutch Alley Artist Co-Op.

Latitude and Longitude 30.000000, -90.000000

Schedule

10:30 to 11:30 am Central Time

Event Type

• Cultural/Craft Demonstration
• Exhibition/Show
• Performance
• Talk