Afrolatinos “The Untaught Story” is a documentary television series independently produced by Creador Pictures, LLC. This is the story of the estimated 150 million invisible afrodescendants currently living in Latin America. Afrolatinos is a seven part series in English and Spanish, that shows the rich culture and shares the contributions of the enslaved Africans who arrived to the Caribbean, Central and South America.
Free Screening followed by Q&A with the Emmy-Award-Winning director Renzo Davia.
Don't Think I've Forgotten Directed by John Pirozzi. 2015. 106 minutes. Cambodia. English with subtitles.
Through the eyes, words and songs of its popular music stars of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, this feature length documentary examines and unravels Cambodia’s tragic past, culminating in the genocidal Khmer Rouge’s dismantling of the society and murder of 2,000,000 of its citizens. Combining interviews of the surviving musicians themselves with never-before-seen archival material and rare songs, the film tracks the twist and turns of Cambodian music as it morphs into rock and roll, blossoms, and is nearly destroyed along with the rest of the country.
Playing With Fire: Women Actors of Afghanistan Directed by Anneta Papathanassiou. 2014. 58 minutes. Afghanistan. In Afghan (Dari) with English subtitles.
Introduction and post-screening discussion by Katayoun H. Salmasi (critic / playwright / director), former vice president of the Iran Theatre Critics Association, and advisor Iranian Cultural Alliance at UofI.
Banned under Taliban rule (1994-2001), Afghan theater is experiencing a comeback with many women at the forefront. Filmmaker Anneta Papathanassiou exposes pervasive erosions of Afghan women’s rights. Her timely, eye-opening documentary perfectly captures art’s transformative power and the dangers these courageous women face to do the work they love.
This group performs calypso, soca, jazz, and global styles.
Danny Forde, piano Feargull Murray, composer and piano
The bright, clear tones of Irish tenors are beloved the world over, and this quintet, featuring David Martin, Morgan Crowley, Ciarán Kelly, Alan Leech, and George Hutton, delivers the wit, boisterous charm, and dramatic lyricism that are so particular to the character of the Emerald Isle. In this glorious program celebrating Irish favorites and beloved American tunes, cherished selections like She Moved Though the Fair, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, The Rose of Tralee, and Danny Boy will enchant and delight.
Come in costume and celebrate Brazilian carnival with joyful Brazilian music, dance, crafts, and much more.
This program is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Program, a local non-profit organization.
For children of all ages and their families.
Join us to learn about the culture and history of the Gullah people - descendants of enslaved Africans who continue to live in the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry. Janice Collins, Assistant Professor of journalism in the University of Illinois College of Media, is the creator of A Taste of Gullah, an award-winning documentary that features the music, arts, food, and history of this fascinating culture.
There will be a Q&A to follow the film, as well as a chance to sample some delicious Gullah food.
Dr. Janice Marie Collins is a multi-Emmy, Associated Press, Best of Gannett award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience in journalism. She is an award-winning professor with 14 years of teaching experience on the university level.
Cosponsored by the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, The Rotary Club of Urbana, and The YMCA of the University of Illinois
Join us for stories, crafts, food, and a live drumming demonstration from the Gullah culture.
The Gullah people live in South Carolina and Georgia but they have cultural roots in West Africa. Come learn and have fun at this Black History Month program.
Cosponsored by the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, The Rotary Club of Urbana and The YMCA of the University of Illinois
Join Noah I. Brown, as he shares great gospel music from the African American experience. Enjoy spirituals to contemporary gospel, and some with original songs.
For children and their families.
Prairie Breezes concerts are on the first Saturday of most months and are generously sponsored by Peggy and Bob Podlasek in memory of Greg Bliss.
Join us for a night of tango dancing in an elegant atmosphere!
DJ Cash bar til 11 pm; $10 corking fee for BYOB Suspended (floating) oakwood dance floor Air conditioned Dress to impress
Preceded by West Coast Swing dance (7:00 pm) — {WCS, Salsa, 2 Step, Bachata and more} $10 for the whole evening.
Afro-Brazilian Percussion Workshops with Bloco Gavião
The Robert E. Brown Center for World Music is pleased to offer Spring 2022 dates for our community samba group - Bloco Gavião -
The Robert E. Brown Center for World Music has launched a new YouTube channel!
Our first four educational videos on the channel are from the Introducing Instruments series, featuring Global
Programs of the Robert E. Brown Center for World Music are dependent upon grants, gifts, and funds raised through concerts, performances and services. The Center was established at the University