John Mason

Jam Ja Band, formed in 1998 by Yoruba scholar and priest (and a percussionist with 48 years’ experience) John Mason, has performed widely at prestigious cultural institutions including The American Museum of Natural History and Yale. Mason is first to take traditional, ritual Yoruba song lyrics praising the orisa in Cuba, Brasil, and the United States, and translate them into English, while retaining the original idea content, aim, and melodies of the songs. Tonight’s concert will focus on music and songs in praise of feminine power and will include some of NYC’s leading jazz and classical musicians. Come be inspired by the powerful rhythms and melodies of West African traditional music, which have had such an impact on modern popular music.

Saturday, July 7, 8–9:30pm
12SAN01P
Members: $22 / Nonmembers: $25
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John Mason

Orisha deity Sàngó

For over forty years John Mason has served as one of the leading authorities involved in the study of the impacts of West African Yoruban culture and spirituality in the Americas. Today John will draw from his new book about the Orisha deity Sàngó (aka Shango), and share his revolutionary research (based in genetics and archeology) which reveals the rethinking of commonly held views about items of cultural lore; prayer; and the role of female power and of children. We will discuss how understanding their essential nature can serve as a guide to the core values of this tradition. Join one of the leading practitioners of African spiritual traditions in the U.S. as he explores why the balance of male-female energies is central to an authentic spiritual practice, be it in Yoruba or any other spiritual path.

Note: A PowerPoint presentation will be shown to illustrate rich newfound material to support topics covered throughout the workshop. Following the workshop will be a concert featuring songs and music celebrating women’s power.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Saturday, July 7, 10am–6pm
12SSA19S
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
EARLY BIRD RATE if registering by June 15: (Call 212-219-2527 x 2)
Members $105/ Nonmember $115
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Group discounts available for groups of
5 or more, based on the original price.

IFÁBÙKÚNMI, O. ADÉWÁLÉ, PhD

In this class, Professor Adewale, an accomplished traditional Yoruba priest (babalawo) and herbalist with 25 years’ experience, will delve into how to awaken our egbe—the intuitive power that connects us to our spiritual essence; and the use of healing plants, leaves, trees and roots in traditional Yoruba healing. He will explain the spiritual attributes and medicinal applications of several main herbs, especially in overcoming negative emotions and stress, and explore their connection to Yoruban cosmology, its seven elements and its deities, the Orishas. We will also learn chants, songs, and drumming and dancing patterns that help us access our egbe; hands-on divination methods using cola nuts and peanuts for basic spiritual inquiries; and techniques of “spiritual first aid” that help us eliminate fears and confusion that hinder spiritual development.

Note: $25 materials fee paid to the instructor.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Saturday, May 12, 10am–5:30pm
12WSA14S
Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
Please call for location
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IFÁBÙKÚNMI, O. ADÉWÁLÉ, PhD

Professor Adewale, an accomplished traditional Yoruba priest (babalawo) and herbalist with 20 years’ experience, will introduce us to the world of Yoruba Nigerian deities—the Orishas—exploring their origin, cosmology, powers and gifts, and their corresponding healing plants, leaves, trees and roots. He will delve into the importance of naming plants correctly and how to use chant/sound to create a specific resonance when preparing them. He will also discuss several useful plants found right in our own backyards.

Note: This course is a a requirement for the May 12 full-day workshop.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(2 sessions) Mondays,  April 30 & May 7, 8–10pm
12WSA10T
Members: $55 / Nonmembers: $65
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