GOLS is an inter-generational arts circle for community members of all ages learn through practice, traditional Indo-Caribbean vocal/instrumental music of life-cycle traditions that enrich and preserve gols (Indian/Caribbean singing circles). Gols will improve skills and knowledge through mentoring by Elder Custodians, with Masters and Scholars who collaborated with them to formalize the first systematic research and documentation for the genres performed in gols that helps reclaim and preserve traditions belonging to exclusive male and female repertories, so grandfathers, fathers, sons, grandmothers, mothers and daughters can join in hands-on participation. These inter-generational arts circles give families and individuals a chance to learn and practice Chowtal (Phagwa, Spring, Planting), Ramayana (Diwali, Fall, Harvest), Matikor/Maticoor, Kanyadaan, Vivaha (Wedding); Sohar, Mouran (Birth).Participants will also compose seasonal songs drawn from their own life experiences. Most importantly, these workshops provide a space for family sharing and reconnecting to community.
Women's Singing Gol ~ Sohar (Birthing Song)
Sohar was brought to Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and Jamaica by East Indian Indentured Laborers since 1838, and now in the U.S., it is preserved and practiced by Custodian “Aunty Bhago” who is passing these precious songs onto the next generation of artists, teachers, scholars, cultural recipients and the community of women and girls at The Rajkumari Cultural Center n Richmond Hill, NY.
Video: Folk Artists Shrimati Ragbiri (Custodian) and Romanee Kalicharran (Tradition-Bearer/Curator) revive the women’s repertory of songs for the Kitchrie Festival Lila (dance-drama) "Becoming Her"; Playwright Sharda Shakti Singh;, Artistic Director/Producer Pritha Singh. Singers: Shrimati Ester John Ramdeen, Romanee Kalicharran, Ramona Singh, Mohini Kavita Tajeshwar, Priyanka Appadu. |
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Women's Singing Gol ~ Vivaha (Wedding Song)
SINGER: Aunty Bhagoo; MUSIC: Rudy Ramnarine (Dholak), Benjie Shankar (Harmonium) . Choreographer Dana Marajh. Performed by the Natya Tilakam Dance Company. Kitchrie Drama "Becoming Her" by Playwright Sharda Shakti Singh.
The Rajkumari Cultural Center's 12th Annual Kitchrie 2009 Festival; August 29-30, 2009. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Queens, New York. Artistic Director Pritha Singh; Producer: Shaun Singh; Principal Choreographer Romanee Kalicharran.roducer: Shaun Singh; Principal Choreographer Romanee Kalicharran. |
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Writing Reflections on Sohar & Matikor
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Aunty Bhago with Ladie Singing Circle & their kids in Spring 2012
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GOLS ~ Community Singing Circles
Free program of music, dance and drum circles practiced by master artists of Indian seasonal and life-cycle song and music traditions, passed down thru generations for hundreds of years. Preserved in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad since 1838, and now we brought them with us to the United States. GOLS is collaborative circle passing precious folk arts forms unto new generations and the community at large. Through exploration of lyrics participants learn about the dynamic cultural history of Indo-Caribbean people thru their laughter and pain, courage and playfulness, joys and discoveries. click TO REGISTER ONLINE
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SMALL DAYS FOLK SONGS
Tues 3:30-5:30 pm |
MEN and BOYS CHOWTAL
Tues 6:30-8:30 pm |
Women and Girls Songs
Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm |
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Music & Dance Gols in the Park
 Tuesdays, 6-7:30 PM June-August, 2014 with Ryan Ali Tassa Band
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125 Ave/95th Ave, Richmond Hill
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The Rajkumari Cultural Center We Moved Contact us: 122-09 Liberty Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11419
° Email ° 718.846.5431 ° Website ° Join our page on Facebook ° Add us as a friend
° Email ° 718.846.5431 ° Website ° Join our page on Facebook ° Add us as a friend
The Rajkumari Cultural Center is a multi-arts organization revitalizing the cultural and artistic life of Indo-Caribbean and South Asian immigrant communities through grassroots organizing, research-based education programs and public performances. Artistic skills, innovation and craftsmanship emerge through year-round interaction with custodians, master-artists, scholars and tradition-bearers working with community youth and families in an inter-generational space.
