Presenters and Performers
Firedance Drum Festival 2010 Program
Performers
Born into the Royal House of Rebuja Ruling Dynasty in Igbotako, Osooro, Ondo State, Nigeria, Bamidele started drumming, and dancing and participating in sacred Yoruba traditions at an early age. Bamidele’s music embraces traditional folk and contemporary music of the Yoruba people.
My traditional rhythms are set to sacred songs and chants in praises of the Orishas (Orunmila, Ogun, Oya, Egungun, Yemoja and other Yoruba deities). Playing Bata, Sakara, Gangan (Yoruba talking drums), Kpalongo, Djembe drums. I perform with ODUA DE - Ensemble, singing melodic traditional and contemporary African Highlife, Juju and Afro Beat music set to songs about life. The group also performs contemporary gospel music in English and Yoruba.
My Mission is to continue the preservation of Yoruba heritage both in Africa and in the New World. I have traveled extensively amongst the Yoruba people in Nigeria as a traditionalist and Awo L’orisha (Yoruba shaman). I am now sharing my experiences in Canada through music, dance and spiritualism.
I was initiated into Awo Ifa (Orunmila) and Egungun. I divine with sixteen cowries and palm nuts. I am also the custodian of my family’s ancestral masked dancer Egungun Ayeloja from Ijiobounre Bajowa House, Odojomo, Igbotako, Osooro, Ondo State, Nigeria. I use music and storytelling to bring awareness to the spiritualism embedded in African culture and in preserving my Yoruba heritage.
Egungun Drum/Dance Circle
Workshop Presentations
Exploring the ways of Orisha
Prayer Circles/Drum Circles
IFA Reading and Prayer
The Mehxica-Azteca-Chichimeca dance is a traditional dance that originates from Mexico that was created about 700 years ago. This dance is a ceremony and a way of life to honor the Sacred Elements of life: fire, earth, wind and water. It is a form of meditation that uses the body as an instrument to express our spirit to the universe. This beautiful culture was passed down from generation to generation.
From the Mehxica-Aztec nation, Coyotl Xiukhpainally has been practicing his culture and traditions with his family for most of his life in his community of Mexico and later in various locations of the United States. This dance was introduced by Coyotl Xiuhpainally, at the Native Center of Toronto in 2004, where his wife, Ambie Kehewin/Xiukhpainally, from the Cree tribe, and people from different nations started to dance every Wednesday. The Condor and Eagle prophecy is about unification of all nations. Three years later in 2008, the group was named Ollin Tohnatiuh, in honor of traditional prophecies; Earth changes and cycles to come.
After 500 years of invasions we are in process of decolonization and re-establishment of our cultures and the hidden truths of all native nations. Our native tradition keeps us alive, through our Huehuetl-drums and dances, that expresses our heart and keeps us in harmony.
In Unity,
MexiCree - Aztec
Workshop Presentations
Maya/Aztec Cosmology
Regalia Making
Aztec Drum and Dance
Twin Muse-Hourshid and Mehrshid Afrahkteh
Twin sisters, Hourshid and Mehrshid Afrakhteh are two percussionists of Daf and Tombak, traditional Iranian percussions. They have played in many different occasions such as in Metz (France), in Quebec L’occident et l’orient, in Toronto Horizon; in charity concerts for Congo and Peru, and in various multicultural activities, etc. They play traditional percussion improvisations in solo and duet format. Body Percussion is another form of rhythmic improvisations they play and develop since 2009. Their original compositions based on rhythmic improvisations on Daf and Tombak are combined with stampings, clippings, clapping, and other rhythmic expression forms. They are also pianists, and have studied at the conservatory in France (Conservatoire national). Graduated with two Master’s Degrees in “Piano Performance” and “Piano Pedagogy” from Laval University in Quebec in 2009, they teach percussion, body percussion, piano, history and theory of music in private and group lessons, in home or in music schools more than 8 years now. Residing in Toronto city since May 2009, they are part of the Red Moon Group musicians and play regularly in cultural/social events.
Workshop Presentations
Daf and Tonbak Percussion
A set of duo Daf and Tombak performance;
A brief history of Daf and Tombak and their usage in different periods of history;
Demonstration of technical aspects in solo or duo playing;
Demonstration of their musical notation
Body Percussion
A set of duo Body Percussion performance
Demonstration of techniques and the use of this kind of percussion instrument to students;
Student’s experimentation and try on their own body, using different sounds parts to result in different soundings by stamping feet, clapping hands, clicking fingers, etc.
This is an eclectic group of people that get together to celebrate the love of music. We incorporate different types of drums and instruments to create unique freestyle sounds. We are often joined by dancers and people come and go as is the rhythm of life. We embrace all people of any level and welcome those who are discovering the heart beat of the drum for the first time to come and share.
Singer, Songwriter, Musician.
Mike calls London Ontario home at this moment. He has been playing music for most of his life. Fronting and playing in numerous commercial bar bands Mike has cut out a little niche of his own and amassed wonderful years of experience and friends in the Southwestern Ontario music scene. Mikes music touches on many different themes. Much of it comes from direct experience growing up in the government system and the stories of fellow brothers and sisters in the struggle to not only survive but triumph in the face of extreme adversity.
Mike’s Spiritual Path has taken many turns and twists from childhood. He has found a home for now within the realms of consciousness through various Shamanic Traditions. Mike has been studying Psychology and Spirituality melded for many years in the knowing that the “big picture” is unfolding very quickly. “We are all being called to shit or get off the pot.” “We will need strong hearts and minds very soon to get through the coming shift”. Mikes music reflects the passion that he carries through all his endeavors.
Raven Black have been playing and composing original music since they were kids. Melissa has previously played in many cover bands from 1997-2002. In 2003, she moved to London, Ontario and found a few kindred spirits and they continue to play with their love for music & nature… which explains why they choose organic spiritual sound. Shawn is not only the other half of Raven Black, he is one of Melissa’s muses, together the write informative lyrics with smooth acoustic inspiration! Their influences are folk, country, and blues inspired with a few twists. They play with true conviction and emotion The self-titled independent CD called Raven Black!
Cedar Owl lives and sings her heart song in Peterborough, Ontario. Mother, teacher and nature lover, she has found immense joy, fulfillment and solace in music. With a passion for the spiritual path, travel, honouring Mother Earth and all of Creation, her tender songs reflect both the bliss and pain we experience during this transformational life journey. A lover of many styles and genres, she is inspired by heart opening Kirtan chanting, traditional Native music, Celtic melodies and intuitively inspired lyrics. She loves to share her unique fusion of alternative folk rock melodies in song circles and encourages the audience to join in as one voice for connection, peace and healing.
ERIC MANDALA is founder of “Mandala World Music” an international ethnic fusion world music group with people from all around the world. He uses traditional influences of music and art to create new and dynamic original material. He has traveled around the world collaborating with over 100 artists under the name Mandala. His focus is to bring sacred styles of art and instrument together for a new fusion in this multicultural world. Eric Mandala has Produced and Recorded 8 Albums in North America, Africa, and Asia. When performing and recording he uses live loops and over 100 ethnic and modern instruments from around the world. He sings in Universal Language mixing ancient tongues and ethnic styles of vocals with modern sound scat poetry. We hope you enjoy listening to the music because they sure love to make it! If you haven’t seen this original show yet be sure to catch it as soon as possible!
Presenters
Catherine is an Elder in several different traditions, and has been leading groups and performing public rituals for over 20 years. She is a former first officer of the Covenant of the Goddess, and is the Canadian representative of the CoG Board. She represented CoG at the Parliament of World Religions Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. She continues inter-faith work as the coordinator, and Wiccan Chaplain for the University of Toronto Campus Chaplains Association. As a Founding Member of Magical Arts Ritual Theatre, her play, Oracles from the Living Tarot has been performed annually since 1998.
Firedance Opening Ritual and Blessing
Women’s ritual
Closing Ritual
Christin has always held closely to his Native roots. Although he was adopted, he remained free to maintain his indigenous traditions and practices. As a youngster he returned frequently to the reservation where he learned about his heritagee. As he grew older elders went out of their way to help him, and even coerce him into learning more about his roots. He has been doing Lodges for 6 years, apprenticing for 12 years, and still continues to learn from the Elders. “The way we live is like a dance. It can be very expressionistic, or passionate and imaginative. If we allow yourselves to just be, our dance will be joyful.”
Traditional Sweat Lodge
Brian has been actively interested in Paganism for 28 years and a priest in the Ceili Sidhe tradition of Celtic Paganism since 1990. He holds a B.A. in Celtic Studies and Religious Studies from the University of Toronto, as well as an M.Phil. from the University of Wales. His book, The Secret Commonwealth and the Fairy Belief Complex (2002) was based on his Masters thesis on fairy beliefs and Second Sight in Early Modern Scotland.
Within the community he strive to emphasis a personal, intimate, and joyful relationship with the deities, ancestors and spirits of nature in the Living World; preferring to emphasize magical Religion over superficially religious Magic. He also feels it is important to have a good grasp of religious history of one’s faith, acknowledging the collective wisdom and insight of who and what has come before us, as well as the differences that make each deity and each culture distinct and valuable.
He currently works as a spiritual care provider at a major Toronto hospital, and as a Pagan (Celtic and Reconstructionist) chaplain at the University of Toronto. Also, as a licensed Wedding Officiant, he is able to perform legal weddings in the province of Ontario. For more information go to www.newtara.org
Introduction to Vedic Magical Chant
Introduction to Celtic Reconstructionism
Sacred Stories: Narrative as Magic and Sacrament
Main Ritual: Sorrow and Celebration
Robin Armstrong, professional astrologer, I Ching and chanting specialist and musician. Robin invented the Celestial Harp a 72 stringed instrument to play a horoscope. He initiated and ran the Babatunde Olatunji drum stage at Afrofest and has developed a system of drumming called Star Drumming. Robin has been chanting for 40 years, drumming and clapping for 20 years. Sound temples and meaningful rhythms are his forte.
Star Drumming
Fox and Tameika have been practicing together for 15 years, and Tameika even longer. They are the founders and coordinators of Spirits of the Earth Festival, Founders of the “Mhorag” Coven founded in 1999, and a public face in the mystical community. Appearing in numerous media spots including newspapers, magazines, Radio shows, and Podcasts, Tameika & Fox strive to bring the local pagan community together to create unity, within peace and harmony.
Firepit Drumming
Mandala Danannce
Tanya Liczner has been studying several different styles of belly dance since 2006. Egyptian/ Arabic, American Tribal Style (ATS) and Tribal Fusion. Currently focused on Tribal Fusion with its strong sultry movements, building strength in the muscles, this style also leaves room for thinking out-side-the-box.
Jenn Howey is an inspired yogini, teaching at her home studio “Diamond Body Yoga” in Toronto as well as instructing for the City of Toronto. She has trained hundreds of teachers in the yoga of sound (nada), esoteric anatomy, pranayama and the history of yoga. Her teaching is profound, moving and edgy and she guides you into a connected, grounded and powerful experience. Jenn is an advanced Reiki practitioner and musician. She is deeply interested in the Indigenous language of community and ritual.
Kali Puja
Franco is somewhat of a Renaissance man: a professional engineer, athlete, artist/musician. He has been involved in the study of various esoteric arts such as energy work, tarot, runes, astrology, numerology, herbs, crystals and magick for the past decade. Franco has noticed that all is interrelated. He is the former Vice President of Astrology Toronto an organisation which promotes astrological knowledge in the Greater Toronto Area.
Divination with Stuff
Ages of Astrology
Tamare is a Psychic Shaman Spiritualist who has offered workshops, circles, healings and readings since 1989. She operates Earth and Sky Connection, one of Ontario’s leading “Spirit Shoppes”, which now has two locations: a Shamanic Healing Retreat (located on seven acres on the edge of Barrie) and a Learning Centre. She is a pipe carrier and sweat lodge facilitator, and a teacher of Moon Magic and Traditions. For the past three years she has operated Paganfest, a.k.a. Wonder Valley Earth and Sky Fest, in which she helps spread the good energy of Earth Based Spirituality! Find her on the internet at www.earthandskyconnection.com
Psychic Development
Shaman Spiritualists
Bonnie is on the road to discovering the spiritual path that is right for her. Along the way, her interest in prayer & meditation beads and how they can be incorporated into any spiritual practice was brought to light. Her company, Jasper Moon, makes and sells a variety of bead sets, along with jewelry, dowsing & divination products, tree of life pendants, pewter cloak clasps and other miscellaneous items. You can find her at a diverse mix of eclectic events across Ontario, including music festivals, pagan retreats, medieval faires & craft shows or online at www.jasper-moon.ca.
Design Your Own Pagan Prayer Beads
Greg Wiebe has been involved with the pagan community helping with festivals and other events for over 20 years. He is an eclectic shaman/witch with a passion for alternative building techniques and environmental solutions.
Men’s Ritual
Flag making
Vocable Chanting with Raven Black
Laurien Habijanac is a hereditary Healer, Medical Intuitive and Psychic. In the seventeen years of her commitment & career in healing arts, her research into the discoveries of the scientific world have expanded and supported those of the magickal world. A lifelong commitment to Mother Earth and Father Sky has taken her on a journey from living in the stump of a giant Redwood tree to working as an ethics advisor in corporate business. She is passionate about the logic and poetry of life’s challenges as they are the keys to our unique part in Healing the role of Humans on our Planet and in themselves. She will also be offering readings and Vida herbal products.
Energy and Transmutation
Raun Dupuis and Treefrog Percussion
Raun has been a semi-professional drummer since age 15 and has added hand drumming, percussion, drum making and repairs to his resume. Largely self taught, Raun has studied and drummed with Babatunde Olatunji, Leo Brooks, Arthur Hull, Jeremy Tool, Kathleen Gillis, The Firedance Drummers, Port Drum Group, Hand Drummers of Ottawa and Jean Breretton to mention a few. Raun is the drummer for Ottawa Valley band ‘Common Ground’ and the Voodoo Blues All Star band, and also the creator of the facebook drummers group Drummers United Across Canada. Now employed part time with Treefrog Percussion, Raun makes and repairs all kinds of drums and still produces his own designed drum called a Squonga. I teach drum heading sessions for them or will build to suit.
Drum Making at Tree Frog Percussion Vendor’s tent
Kevin is from Sudbury, Ontario and is a didgeridoo player/instructor who has been playing for approximately 10 years.
In the last few years I’ve noticed an increasing popularity for this instrument. Therefore I have started workshops as well as performing live on stage with local bands or doing demonstrations at festivals. I have learned completely independently yet I will be able to demonstrate and coach several different techniques used to play this instrument. I also have researched cultural and historical facts on this instrument that I look forward to sharing with you.
Introduction to Didgeridoo