Elaine Vradenburgh
Elaine Vradenburgh holds a B.A. in Cultural and Community Studies from The Evergreen State College and an M.A. in Folklore from the University of Oregon. She currently works for the Olympia Film Society in Olympia, Washington and as an independent folklorist. Elaine produces videos and still photography for non-profit organizations for fundraising, educational, and archival purposes.
Making Music, Building Bridges
Length: 50:00
2008
DVD-NTSC (679-D) $15.00 plus shipping available
Making Music, Building Bridges is a documentary about a community in Eugene, Oregon, USA that has emerged around a shared interest in the study, performance, and preservation of musical traditions from Zimbabwe. Kutsinhira Cultural Arts Center — founded by Maggie Donahue with the guidance of Zimbabwean master musician, Dumisani Maraire — serves as the primary local hub for music-making of this kind. The Center provides year-round instruction in marimba, mbira, hosho, drumming, and singing for people of all ages. Kutsinhira has been instrumental in sponsoring music residencies in Eugene for Zimbabwean master musicians including Cosmas Magaya, Ambuya Beauler Dyoko, and Musekiwa Chingodza. These residencies provide the Eugene community with an opportunity to gain new insights into the musical traditions of Zimbabwe while providing Zimbabwean musicians with an income-generating activity and opportunity to share and spread their musical culture in the United States.
The close musical and personal connections between Kutsinhira members and Zimbabwean musicians led to the establishment of the Zimbabwe Community Development Project (ZCDP) in 2002. ZCDP funds — raised via benefit concerts, garage sales, and direct donations — are used to assist with education and development efforts in Zimbabwe. Making Music, Buiding Bridges focuses on this community to explore the potential for music to serve as a tool to build alliances across distance and difference to affect social change.
Proceeds from the sale of this film benefit the Zimbabwe Community Development Project.
Sections:
- Special Features
- • Interview with Cosmas Magaya: Musical Background
- • Interview with Beauler Dyoko: Being Chosen to Play Mbira
- • Interview with Sheasby Matiure: Musical Background
Credits: (in alphabetical order)
Maggie Donahue, Beauler Dyoko, Hokoyo Marimba, Marilyn Kolodziejczyk, Kudana Marimba, Cosmas Magaya, Dumisani Maraire, Sheasby Matiure, Jake Roberts, Shumba Marimba Band, Lynne Swift, Vakasara, Elaine Vradenburgh, Mandy Walker-LaFollette, Janis Weeks, Zambuko.