Experience the rich culture of West Africa with this treasured DC dance company
The Soul In Motion Players celebrate their 35th anniversary and Black History Month with new performance “Drum Call”. The work reflects the sense of community, strong traditions, and rich culture of West Africa. Audiences of all ages and all backgrounds are welcome come and take part in an unforgettable night of entertainment and education. The performance will take place at Joe’s Movement Emporium on Saturday, February 23rd at 8pm and Sunday February 24th at 4pm. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased online at www.joesmovement.org, by calling the Box Office Monday - Thursday from 4 - 10 pm at 301-699-1819, or in person at 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712.
About “Drum Call”
Soul in Motion celebrates 35 years of artistic excellence through universal rhythm that connects us all. This year performance will highlight their encore performances from the last four years. Experience the rich culture of West Africa with this treasured DC dance company. Combining colorful costumes, spirited movements, and energetic drumming rhythms, this expert ensemble delivers an exciting performance that inspires all ages.
About Soul in Motion
Soul in Motion Players is a non-profit performing arts organization, founded in 1984 by percussionist Michael Friend, that specializes in African dance, drumming, theatre and spoken word. The ensemble is based in Rockville, MD and rehearses weekly at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, MD. Soul in Motion is directed by Michael Friend and Pam Lassiter Rhone. The group performs in and around the Washington DC area at various festivals including the Washington Folk Festival, The Takoma Park Folk Festival, Dance Africa, Juneteenth Celebration in St. Mary’s County, and Rockville’s MLK Celebration. The ensemble traveled to Dakar Senegal in March-April 2011 to study with the Senegalese Ballet and to visit key cites including Goree Island. Additionally, in 2011 Soul in Motion received the prestigious Montgomery County Executive Community Award for Excellence in the Arts.
About Michael Friend
In 1984 Michael Friend and his sister Khandi started performing as the Soul In Motion Players. The debut performance was at Michael's alma mater, Howard University during Black History Month. Original members included HU Fine Arts Department Grads Cheryl Butler Poole, Gregory H. Poole, Gisele Jackson, & Wanda Whiteside. The troupe began touring to other colleges and universities on the East Coast. In 1989 Michael resigned from his government job to pursue the SIMPINC dream. Soul In Motion became a full time touring company with its busy season occurring during Black History Month.
ABOUT JOE’S MOVEMENT EMPORIUM
Established in 1995, Joe’s Movement Emporium is a cultural arts hub that acts as a catalyst for creativity and economic opportunity. Based in Mount Rainier, Maryland in the Prince George’s Gateway Arts District, Joe’s serves more than 70,000 visitors annually. Joe’s has five arts-based youth programs that bridge the creative divide between under-resourced families and those with means. Through programs and productions in education, performing arts, and work readiness, Joe’s integrates progressive education, creativity, and youth development. and productions in education, performing arts, and work readiness, Joe’s integrates progressive education, creativity, and youth development.
In 2016, Joe’s achieved the Standards of Excellence through the Maryland Association of Nonprofits, which validates and promotes our exemplary work in youth arts education programming. Additionally, Joe’s earned the highest possible rating through Maryland EXCELS (level 1) based upon nationally recognized quality standards and best practices. This rating allows Joe’s to receive state funds to expand our reach in providing high quality arts education to youth in our community.
