Incredible programs and opportunities happening throughout Colorado! Fara Tolno and other guest artists are offering a variety of classes this February and March of 2025. Check out what’s happening and get the details below:

CRESTED BUTTE

On-going Musicians Class

Register now to study with world renown artist and musical choreographer Fara Tolno. This is an outstanding musical opportunity!! Fara has played with artists such as BB King, Neil Young, Burning Spear, Mamady Keita, Otis Taylor, Joe Cocker, Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keita, and more. Fara will teach a 6 class course, placing a traditional African rhythm onto a variety of instruments to build a cohesive musical piece. All musicians proficient on a string, percussion, horn or other instrument that does not require major setup/breakdown is welcome! Classes will culminate with the option to perform in a theater show at the Center for the Arts on March 7th. Spots are limited! Register here

Youth Cultural Arts Camp

Give your kids a fun and fulfilling February break with immersion in an engaging and dynamic afternoon cultural arts camp! This camp will be targeted to ages 8-12 and will explore the art of storytelling through music, dance and stories on stage. Each day will include a variety of themes and music and movement classes taught by Angela Carroll and Fara Tolno, as well as arts, crafts, and games. Drums and any other instruments will be provided for use. Attending youth will have the opportunity to perform with visiting African artists as the opening act of the theater show on March 7. Register here

Kissidugu Fundraiser:

Join us for donation day at the base area of the Crested Butte Ski Resort on March 1st from 12-5. Epic Promise is highlighting the Kissidugu Foundation for their amazing on-going work in the schools, university and community of the Gunnison Valley. Through this initiative they will match the first $2500 in funds raised! This will be a great day to have your donation count as double and support the local and global arts education. Weather dependent there will be music and dance class at the base area, followed by a performance at 3:30pm in Butte 66! Multiple guest artists will showcase the African Arts. We will have all the information about the work of this foundation so please come join us for a fun day at the ski area! Find out more here

Community Classes on March 2nd

Kids Breakdance with Mikey Mestas: 4:00-5:00pm– geared towards ages 7 and up but all ages of b-boys and b-girls welcome (youth under 7 MUST be accompanied by an adult). Wear clean sneakers and bring a water bottle.

Adult Dance Class: 5:15-6:30 – all abilities welcome! Set yourself in motion with Guinea dance accompanied by a crew of talented live musicians. These guest artists will teach a class full of energy and joy. Wear comfortable clothes that allow for a full range of movement and bring a water bottle.

Classes located at Steddy Theater inside the Center for the Arts. (606 6th St). Youth Classes $20 and Adult $25

Wontanara! Theater Show 7pm March 7th

Come be transported and amazed at this original African Arts Theater show, choreographed by world renown West African artist, Fara Tolno. This dynamic show will tell a story of humanity through music, movement, multimedia and more. A full live orchestra of Western and traditional African instruments will accompany dancers, aerialists, acrobats, breakdancers and more. Visiting West African artists will be joined by local musicians and dancers to produce an unforgettable show for all ages. Local youth to provide opening act. Do not miss this opportunity of cultural arts excellence! With only one performance- tickets will go quick! Purchase tickets here

GUNNISON

Feb 13th: Youth Drum 4:30-5:15 | Adult Drum 5:30-6:30

Feb 27th: Youth Dance 4:30-5:15 | Adult Dance 5:30-6:30

Fara Tolno of the Kissidugu Foundation will teach all level dance classes for youth and adults this February 27th at the Gunnison Arts Center. Fara is a dynamic and accessible teacher that teaches a really fun class! Fara has his MFA from Colorado University in dance and is sought out as an instructor around the world. His dance classes will be accompanied by live drumming, including lead drummer Etienne Tolno. Register here

Family Cultural Arts Night

Join Fara and Etienne Tolno for a fun evening of West African music, movement and dialogue. This is a free event and all are welcome! Drums will be provided for an interactive drum class (first come first serve) and artists will perform and engage the audience with movement class, song, Q&A and more!

CARBONDALE

Feb 22nd: Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork

Song and Culture Class 4:30-5:30

Drum Class 5:30-7

Dance Class 7-8:30

Feb 23rd: 13 Moons Ranch

11-12:30 Drum Class

12:30-2 Dance Class

All are welcome! Wear comfortable clothes that allow for a full range of movement and bring a water bottle for dance. Limited drums available to borrow for drum class use.

OURAY

March 8th: Cultural Arts Classes

Kids Breakdance: 12-1 Kids Acrobatics 1:15-2:15

Adult/Teen Dance with Fara Tolno 2:30-3:45

Adult/Teen Drum with Etienne Tolno 4-5:15

Adult/Teen Dance with Aicha Camara 5:30-6:45

All are welcome! Location at Wright Opera House. For details and registration click here

Wontanara! Theater Show 5pm March 9th

Come be transported and amazed at this original African Arts Theater show, choreographed by world renown West African artist, Fara Tolno. The name of this year’s show is “Wontanara!”, meaning “We are Together” in the traditional Susu language of Guinea. This dynamic show will tell a story of humanity through music, movement, multimedia and more. A full live orchestra of Western and traditional African instruments will accompany dancers, acrobats, breakdancers, and more. Tickets on sale now- click here to get yours before they sell out!