By Parker McKenzie
Millers Homestead’s picturesque garden created the perfect stage for an African drumming and kora performance from local musicians on Friday 13 January, the first in a series of free summer performances at the historic building.
Super Mande African Percussion put on an afternoon of entertainment for the fully booked crowd of 100, while those in attendance relaxed and enjoyed the scenic garden with picnic rugs aplenty.
Eastern Regional Libraries officer Michelle Kemp said the first event was “absolutely delightful”.
“The weather was perfect and it was the right kind of music, we were really lucky to be able to host Super Mande Percussion because they’re very accomplished and well-known,” she said.
“The performance was made possible through a grant from Knox City Council.”
Mady Keita performed on the drums while Amadou Suso played the kora, a traditional west African stringed instrument.
Super Mande manager Sophie Pape said it was one of the more beautiful and relaxing settings for the Bayswater-based music academy and performers.
“We had everything we needed in terms of sound system with it being a small, contained area that didn’t need a huge amount of amplification to create the atmosphere that we did,” she said.
“Everyone was happy to chill out in their seats, enjoy the picnic and have a good afternoon out.”
Two more events will be held in the summer series at 12pm on Friday 20 and 27 of January, featuring two distinct flute performances, with Ensemble 451 Classic Flute and Vinod Prasanna on the Indian Classic Bansuri flute set to play at the homestead in the next two weeks.
Ms Kemp said while the two performances are fully booked at the moment, more tickets will be released if the weather holds enough to host guests outside.
“We kept the bookings at 40 so that if it happens to be raining on the day, we can move the concert inside to the lovely parlour in Millers,” she said.
“The Tuesday before the concert, we check the weather and if it’s looking good and okay for us to hold the event outside, then we release another 60 tickets.”
She encouraged people to join the waiting list, as those on it would get the first chance to book tickets.
Ms Pape said the Super Mande African Percussion will be returning to the homestead for another performance on the 17 March.
“We’re based locally in Bayswater and we do group drumming classes several nights a week and all sorts of events like schools, parties, weddings, corporate workshops and team building,” she said.
“These guys are obviously professionals at what they do; it’s their livelihood, their life. They’ve been doing it since Amadou was four, playing the kora, and Muddy since he was 14, playing the drums.”
After a successful pilot program, Eastern Regional Libraries has a licensing agreement to hold cultural and artistic events at the Homestead until 2027. Art exhibitions, book launches, family story time events, poetry readings, group singing lessons and musical performances have all been held since the pilot program was announced.
For more information on future events at the Homestead, visit yourlibrary.com.au/locations/millers-homestead. For more information on Super Mande Percussion, visit supermandepercussion.com.au. Miller’s Homestead is located on the corner of Dorrigo Drive and Melrose Court, Boronia.
