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Community Conversations

Zimfest provides the opportunity for a large number of Zimbabwean music players to come together and discuss community issues. At the past nine festivals, many topics have been discussed in forums, village meetings, and other settings. Many of these events have been very meaningful to our community, providing a place for us to get to know each other, discuss issues of mutual importance, and make plans for the future. Perspectives have been shared on a wide variety of ethical issues facing those of us who perform or teach music from another culture. We have brainstormed and planned how we can give something back to Zimbabwe. And many of us have come to know each other better as the community has grown.

The following events are free and open to the public without any registration process. Just show up. We encourage you to participate in these events and to share your thoughts freely.

Opening Ceremony
Friday, 9:30 - 10:15 am
Welcome, everyone, to the Zimbabwean Music Festival! Many have come a long way. Thank you all for coming.

Village Meeting
Saturday, 10:15 - 11:45 am
Discussion about options for Zimfest 2002 and Zimfest 2003. Where will the next festivals be held? Who will do the work of organizing them? If any communities are interested or willing to host an upcoming festival, this is the place for you to step forward and tell everyone about your proposal. (Please also consult with Zimfest 2001 and others beforehand.) Everyone will then discuss the pros and cons and move toward decisions on the best course of action.

Zimbabwean Music-Teachers Forum
Sunday, 9:45 - 11:15 am
An open forum for those who are teaching Zimbabwean music. Let’s get to know each other and share thoughts and concerns. We hope everyone out there teaching Zimbabwean music will come and participate, and we ask those who are not teaching (or planning to teach) to please not attend.

Marimba Builders Forum
Sunday, 9:45 - 11:15 am
A gathering of marimba builders of all levels of experience to share, exchange, examine, validate. A question and answer period will be included. Facilitated by Carl Dean.

Zimbabwean Guest Forum
Sunday, 2:45 - 4:15 pm
The Zimbabwean guests will provide feedback to the community in a panel discussion format. A rare opportunity to hear from Zimbabwean musicians of such stature about their perceptions of the Zimbabwean music community in North America and whatever else they would like to share.

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