The Banyan Tree of the Americas: Music Evolution in the African Diaspora

We are honored to host panelists and artists from Richmond, VA, Rev. Cora Harvey Armstrong and Family (gospel), and from Puerto Rico, Dr. Emanuel Dufrasne González and Taller-Conjunto Paracumbe (bomba). Come join us and untangle the ancestral stories that are not reflected in many history books. We will expose the history and evolution of our African roots in music and dance, and how we are all connected in our current practices. During this panel discussion and performance we will be exploring the connection between Puerto Rican bomba and African American musical traditions in Virginia, in this case, gospel. Come ready to ask questions to our panelists, and enjoy live music from our performers. August 28th, 2021, 4:30pm Old Mill Park 2201 Caroline St Fredericksburg, VA 22401 (Rain space: Dorothy Hart Community Center) Event is FREE and for all ages. Bring your own chair or blanket. This project is possible in part thanks to the partnership or sponsorship of the following entities: Fredericksburg Arts Commission, Virginia Humanities, Virginia Commission for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg Area Museum, CLAVES UNIDOS, Rapp Arts and Culture, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.