September 5-7
Urbana, Illinois - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois State University
Overview:
The Urbana-Champaign community is honored to recieve Mestre Negoativo, from Minas Gerais, Brazil, a cultural activist and an advocate of Afro-Brazilian traditions of Bantu and Vissungo origins. As a musician, Mestre Negoativo has shared the stage with artists like Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento. He is also a respected craftsman in the art of making berimbaus. Today his research focuses on the Berimbau de Barriga, its historical processes, and the transformations of musicality of African origin during the 21st century.
Participants will have access to music workshops with Mestre Negoativo focused on his practice of 'musicalidade ancestral' as well as an opportunity to experience Mestre Negoativo's recently produced documentary work focused on his research connecting Bantu and Afro-Brazilian culture through music. You can see a preview of this work here: Mestre Negoativo Documentary Preview
This encounter will also include movement workshops with Mestre Deni, the Director of the Capoeira Angola Center Illinois. Originally from Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil, Mestre Deni Chiaramonte is a teaching artist, performer, and choreographer with more than 40 years of experience in Capoeira who received the prestigious title 'Mestre' from Mestre João Grande in December 2023, making him one of only three teachers worldwide to receive such recognition.
Rooted in his learning from his teacher, Mestre João Grande, Mestre Deni immerses students in the fluid movements and rhythmic music of Capoeira while integrating cultural, historical, and linguistic elements of Brazilian culture, creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all ages and abilities.
Please join us for this unique learning experience. A detailed schedule will be sent to you upon your completing your registration. Please note some details may change and will be communicated to you via the WhatsApp group.
Locations:
Urbana, Illinois
- Garden Pavillion, Meadowbrook Park, Urbana IL: Meadowbrook Park, 2808 S Race St, Urbana, IL 61802
- Nevada Dance Studio: 917 W. Nevada St. Urbana, IL
- Armory Room 101: 505 E Armory Ave, Champaign, IL 61820 (Sunday Documentary Showing)
Schedule: (Detailed schedule will be provided via email to registrants, subject to change)
Friday, Sep. 5:
All Morning - Presentation at Illinois State University
5-8 PM: Music Workshop with Mestre Negoativo
Location: Nevada Dance Studio B (Parking on Nevada)
Saturday, Sep. 6:
10:30 - Noon: Capoeira Angola w/ Mestre Deni
1:00 - 4:00 PM: Music Class with Mestre Negoativo
4:30 - 6:30 PM - Capoeira Roda
Location: Meadowbrook Park Garden Pavillion
Sunday, Sep. 7:
11:30 AM - 1 PM: Film Screening and Discussion (Free and Open to Public)
Location: UIUC Armory 101 Media Theatre
Fees:
All workshops: $135
Price per workshop $65
Discounts available for ISU/U of I Students
Note: Sunday Film Screening Free and Open to Public
Payment Methods:
Payment can be via:
Venmo: @cac-IL
PayPay: angolacenterillinois@gmail.com
Zelle: 217-721-0887
*Note: A $10 fee will be assessed if you are paying the day of the event.
Housing:
I you have any questions regarding housing, you can inquire with Mark Becker at mark.becker.b@gmail.com.
There are several hotels/motels a very short distance from the Event as well as Air BnB options.
Food:
Participants should plan on their own meals during the weekend. We are likely to host some social potlucks where everyone brings a dish to share, more information to come on when/where.
Event Contact:
Mark Becker (Violeiro) - 314-728-9007 (Text, Call or WhatsApp)
We will create a WhatsApp group for communicating before and during the event.
