You’ll hear them before you see them. First the trumpets and tubas, then the tom toms, then the bass drums and, finally, the cowbells and whistles. Then the brass instruments will join the chorus, completing the sequence, called “rolling over.” Then it’s time to start the parade, or “rush out.”
By then you will have gravitated toward the booming rhythms and brassy call-and-response march, whereupon you will be greeted by (in this case) 16 players wearing elaborate, colorful costumes, festooned with jewels, feathers and intricately woven headdresses and carved masks.
Once the parade starts you will feel yourself being drawn into the joyous spectacle. As it winds its way through downtown Greensboro, picking up participants all the while, the conga line may eventually stretch from one end of the National Folk Festival to the other.
Welcome to Junkanoo, a tradition that dates back to 14th century Africa and popularized by 19th century Bahamas.
Bahamas Junkanoo Revue will bring its sights and sounds to the National Folk Festival on Sept. 9-11 in downtown Greensboro. Junkanoo, a tradition that dates to 14th century Africa, is known for its elaborate costumes. (Photo: Bahamas Junkanoo Revue)
One of its leading stateside practitioners is the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue, based in Miami and formed in 1993 by Langston Longley.
“There is a large population of native Bahamians in Miami,” said Longley, “and hundreds of Junkanoo players. We may use 30 to 40 for local performances, but because of travel and financial constraints will only bring 16 to Greensboro.”
Still, those 16 will bring enough rhythmic exuberance to the folk festival to fill up the streets of Greensboro with infectious joy.
“We feed off the people as much as they enjoy the music,” said Longley. “Our rhythms, particularly the bass drums, simulate the heartbeat, and it’s easy to get in tune with what we are doing. We definitely encourage folks to jump in line behind us and share in our excitement.”
This marks the fourth National Folk Festival to which the troupe has been invited.
“They are the perfect addition to an international event like this,” said ArtsGreensboro’s deputy director Eleanor Schaffner-Mosh. “Appropriately, they will get the festival underway Friday evening and perform again Saturday and Sunday. I guarantee you, even if you’re not feeling good when you get here, you will after you see them.”
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By Ogi Overman Special to Go Triad
Greensboro.com
