Yaye Fall Cultural Arts collaborates with Kuumba West African Dance and Drummers of Tampa and SHAE Movement African Arts from Charlotte for "Let's Come Together," Tampa's second annual African Drum and Dance conference, and for the first annual African Dance and Drum concert starting this weekend, Friday (Nov 2) through Sunday (Nov 4).
The conference aims to promote the beauty and diversity of African culture in Tampa, and it provides guests an opportunity to attend or watch dance drum classes, and shop from various vendors selling African artifacts, clothing, jewelry, shea butters, food and more.
Event organizers anticipate more than 100 dancers and drummers to attend the conference, which opens at 6:30 p.m. on Friday (Nov 2) at the Copeland Park Community Center located at 11001 N 15th St.
Dance classes start at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (Nov 3) and from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m on Sunday (Nov 4), and are open to participants of all ages and levels. There are classes specifically catered to children, but kids are free to take any and all classes.
Saturday's dance classes lead up to the concert at 8:30 p.m. that night (Nov 3) at Chamberlain High School, 9401 N Blvd, which highlights guest artists from Africa, local African Dance companies, kids performing companies and other West African dance troupes from across the country.
Entry to the conference is open to the general public and free to watch, observe classes and to shop with the vendors. Dance class tickets range from $10 per class for early bird, $12 per class online in advance and $15 at the door.
For the concert, tickets start at $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 for children and students with an ID, and free for children under age five.
A portion of the profits benefit charity helping to fund school supplies for at risk children in West Africa. Tickets are available to the conference and concert online at tadc2.eventbrite.com.
Contact Monique Welch at mwelch@tampabay.com.