Llama Tales
Folklorama - 2011 winner of the MPI Manitoba Chapter Influence Award
Vol. 12, Issue 2 April/May/June 2011
F
olklorama was the proud recipient of the 2011 Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Manitoba Chapter Influence Award for its contributions to the meetings sector and for strengthening relationships with external supporters.
The National Award Program of MPI recognizes individuals or organizations outside the direct industry which have supported the development of meetings and conventions or the development of policy and programs impacting the business of meetings. In the past, MPI Manitoba Chapter has recognized contributions from top organizations and companies having an impact on the tourism industry such as Destination Winnipeg, Heartland International Travel & Tours, True North/MTS Centre and Travel Manitoba. This was the first time this honour was given to Folklorama, which has been a member of MPI since 1995. Folklorama Talent offers entertainment, production services and event planning for conventions, corporate meetings, festivals or private functions. Philippe Kwon, President-Elect, MPI Manitoba Chapter, presented the award to Mohamed Ismath, Folklorama President, and Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei, Folklorama Agency Producer, at the National Meetings Industry Day held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on April 13, 2011.
WINNIPEG MUSICIAN LEADS TOUR TO AFRICA
T
his past January, Folklorama member Jay Stoller led his first drum and dance tour to Ghana, West Africa. Jay is a Winnipeg musician specializing in African drumming and long-time member of Folklorama who performs with both Folklorama Teachings and Folklorama Talent. He had lived in Ghana for several years studying his trade and felt that it was important to share his experiences of Ghana and Ghanaian culture with other drumming enthusiasts. The intent behind the tour was to give participants an opportunity to take classes in drumming and dancing within the traditional setting. The tour focused on three specific cultures/regions and their music and dance, including the Ga people using the ‘kpanlogo’ drums. Tour participants witnessed performances by the nationally acclaimed Ghana Dance Ensemble and other professional groups, as well as took part in a traditional funeral and religious ‘possession-dance’ ceremony. To round out the tour, visits were made to a former slave-trade castle, rainforest, lake formed by a meteorite, waterfalls, monkey sanctuary and animal park. The participants also had a three-night stay in a mud house. The tour will run again next year. For details visit www.ghanamusictour.com.
Photo credit: Jay Stoller