LADAMA: George Mason University Artist-in-Residence. Photo courtesy GMU Center for the Arts
LADAMA, a band composed of four women musicians and educators, will be performing their exceptional Latin Alternative music on the Center for the Arts stage as part of the “Great Performances at Mason” to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Each of the four women is from a different country and culture across the Americas. The LADAMA musicians include Lara Klaus, Daniela Serna, Mafer Bandola, and Sara Lucas. Their music blends many styles, it is electric and acoustic, sung in Spanish to English to Portuguese.
LADAMA is also part of the new Mason Artist-in-Residence program. The program aims to foster connections between Artists, Mason students, and the local community. The Artist-in-Residence program aims to contribute to the economic, creative, and cultural vitality of the GMU campus and the region.
Beyond the group’s performances on the Center for the Arts stage, LADAMA will be visible throughout the area starting on Sept. 30. Highlights of their work will include conducting a music workshop with the students at Laurel Ridge Elementary School, participating in and performing at George Mason’s “Take Back the Night” event, holding a workshop for percussion students at Manassas Park High School, working with Mason students enrolled in World Music Classes and giving a lecture-demonstration and Q&A at the Old Town Hall in Fairfax, hosting an Oral Traditions workshop for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and more.
Speaking for LADAMA, Lucas said, “the residency is significant to us…this is the first time a university has created programming not only for its students but also for the larger community that it exists in. We can't wait to visit the public schools, for example. This is a model we hope to emulate in the future as we work with other high education institutions
“It's very exciting to show the many facets of what we do, as educators and activists in addition to being musicians, producers, and composers who work in the global music industry,” said Lucas.
“We hope to communicate to audiences and students that they can use creativity, improvisation, and cultural understanding of one's own roots to succeed in any capacity; whether in regards to work, creative pursuits, and being a part of the social fabric of our communities,” added Lucas.
“We hope that everyone feels that they can participate in our shows and workshops; don't stay in your seats or feel obligated to follow concert protocol! We welcome you!” said Lucas.
Where and When
“Great Performances at Mason” presents LADAMA at George Mason University, Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 4400 University Ave, Fairfax. Performance on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. Call 888-945-2468z or visit www.cfa.gmu.edu