Yearly Archives: 2012
A New Home at Pakare Paye
Pakare Paye Art Center is inspiring. A place where young artists can develop and hone their skills in music, dance, drama, poetry and storytelling. The work that Zimbabwean legend Oliver Mtukudzi is doing at the center is obvious from the moment you arrive. His selfless giving of time and energy to the students is infectious. It was clear from our first meeting with Oliver in 2011 that our mutual love of music and our ability to help would bring us back together.
I would like to thank all of the people who donated instruments during the past year. These intruments will allow the students at Pakare Paye more practice time and enable them to conduct musical outreach programs into the rural areas around and Harare such as Hatcliffe.
Return to Hatcliffe
Just outside of Harare Zimbabwe there is a township called Hatcliffe. It is a place with a complicated past and an uncertain future… Strong hearts live in Hatcliffe, and we are privileged to call some of the people that we have met there our friends.
Last year was the beginning. Introductions between some of the children and Publish The Quest members were made, and smiles were exchanged. We played music, and had one hell of a dance party! But, naturally, the kids were a bit shy… when it came time to say our goodbyes, nobody knew for certain if we would have the good fortune to meet up again someday.
Dirtbaggin’ Dubai
Our trip to Zimbabwe was ambitious this year. Performing at HIFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts) was the reason to be there, and the vehicle to deliver us, but there was so much more that unfolded. For me it started in Dubai with Nasa and Colin, the filmmakers.
Our layover was just 14 hours. The perfect amount of time to actually claim that you’ve stepped foot into a new place (outside of an airport), but not long enough to require somewhere to sleep. The taxi ride from the airport took us past the world’s tallest tower, and through a cityscape that was like none I have ever seen.
A Musical Journey in Zimbabwe
A lot happened while we were in Zimbabwe. I was reminded of what a special treat it is to travel with music as a focus. Music is such a powerful language, connector and vehicle, on and off of the stage. Beyond performing at the HIFA (Harare International Festival of Arts) festival this year, Publish The Quest had the opportunity to embark on a musical journey that affected us all deeply.
Music
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Kickstarter Thanks
Thanks to everyone who helped make our latest kickstarter project a go!