Jazz heads outdoors for our Jazz on the Porch summer series, starting Tuesday June 27th at 7pm!

Zhambai at Roedde House Museum

Featuring Curtis Andrews and Kurai Mubaiwa

Join us for a captivating musical experience featuring Curtis Andrews and Kurai Mubaiwa, performing as Zhambai. This dynamic duo will take you on a rhythmic journey through the traditional and contemporary sounds of Zimbabwe’s Shona people, centered around the ancient mbira (thumb piano).

Curtis Andrews, based in Vancouver, BC, is a multifaceted drummer, composer, and ethnomusicologist. Originally from Carbonear, Newfoundland, Curtis began his musical journey at 14 by teaching himself to play the drumset. His deep curiosity for rhythm, culture, and spirit led him to study the musical traditions of Ghana and South India extensively, under the mentorship of renowned artists including his mridangam guru, Trichy Sankaran. Curtis holds a BFA from York University and a PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of British Columbia. He co-leads a Ghanaian drum and dance ensemble, collaborates with diverse musicians across various genres, and leads his own Afro-Indian-World-Jazz group. His work with Kurai Mubaiwa brings the hypnotic and spiritual music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe to audiences, blending traditional and contemporary compositions. Curtis resides on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and is passionate about fostering love, understanding, and excitement for life through music.

Kurai Mubaiwa is one of Canada’s leading mbira players. The mbira, an ancient thumb piano, has been used for spiritual purposes in Zimbabwe for centuries. Its sound is reminiscent of water dropping, spirits talking, ancestors singing, and blood pumping. Kurai has mastered both the traditional repertoire and composes his own contemporary music for the mbira. In Curtis Andrews, he has found an able and willing ally. As a duo, these multifaceted musicians bring a message of joy and healing to themselves and their audience alike.

The performers will be on the side porch of Roedde House Museum, which faces the lawn space of Barclay Heritage Square Park. Donations collected will go towards the continuation of our Jazz Series and directly support the artists we engage.

Come and experience the enchanting sounds of Zhambai, where ancient rhythms meet contemporary creativity, fostering a deeper connection to music and spirit. Your donations will directly support the artists and help continue the beloved Jazz Series at Roedde House Museum. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing blend of mbira music and world rhythms!

DONATE:

Support of the series is greatly appreciated, either through one-time, monthly, or annual donations. You can do so by donating HERE.

This concert is possible thanks to support from a Metro Vancouver Cultural Grant