PUTNEY — Next Stage Arts Project present Libana, an internationally renowned world music and dance ensemble that is celebrating its 35th anniversary season, on Saturday, March 7, (the eve of International Women's Day) at 7:30 pm.
In 1979, a group of women sharing a passion for international music, dance, and women's issues formed the global music ensemble Libana.
Inspired by Judy Chicago's groundbreaking exhibit “The Dinner Party,” Libana took its name from a woman honored by the artist - a 10th century Moorish poet, philosopher, and musician - symbolizing women's creativity, vision, and spirit throughout time.
Interweaving music, dance and story from such divergent cultures as the Balkans, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, South America and Europe, Libana's artistry inspires audiences with wonder at the beauty, breadth, and wisdom of our world's cultural diversity and common humanity.
Libana's nine recordings and three songbooks have inspired the formation and the repertoires of song circles and choruses of all ages around the globe, and their music and performances have kindled a sense of joy, strength, healing and empowerment in several generations of listeners.
From Maine to California, Wyoming to Florida, Ontario to Nova Scotia - and from Bulgaria to Greece to India to Morocco - Libana has traversed the globe for 35 years celebrating the world's women. Libana's members believe in the power of song, the rhythm of the drum, and the spirit of dance to connect people across vast cultural differences.