Learn a variety of easy, multi-part songs from the African diaspora, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Americas. Explore the deeper meaning of these songs of worship, play, celebration and struggle. Written lyrics will be provided. Groove to irresistible rhythms and melodies in a fun, relaxed atmosphere - all singers welcome!

Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Elizabeth Melvin brings a lifetime of study and performance in world music to her work as a choir director and song workshop leader. She was a co-founder, performer, composer and recording artist with the popular worldbeat group Mama Jama. She is the founding director of two world music community choirs, The Freedom Choir and the Annapolis Morning Song Circle. A graduate of the Community Choir Leadership Training institute in Victoria, BC, Canada, Elizabeth has led vocal music workshops at Common Ground on the Hill, Tai Sophia, UUCSS, and the Unity Center of Light. http://thefreedomchoir.com/

Lauren Kelly-Washington has had a lifelong involvement in world music and dance. She co-founded and performed with an a capella women's world music group, Inkululeko, in Austin, Texas and worked with the late jazz singer Tina Marsh and with an African Soukous band. Lauren chronicled her world music and traditional music favorites on her 2009 CD, "With Open Arms." She has taught movement and vocal workshops for all ages for over a decade. http://laurenkellywashington.com/