Friction Arts Invites to The Township Café, part of the Afrovibes festival 2014

friction arts logo
The stories and experiences of hundreds of Birmingham residents have informed the design of the Township Café, which was created by Friction Arts and a group of extraordinary volunteers and artists from Birmingham, Africa and the Netherlands to celebrate the 20th anniversary of democracy in South Africa. Throughout the week of 20thOctober we welcome special guests to the café, including the South African performance artist Anthea Moys who will use it as a base from which to explore Birmingham and spread her artistic inventions and interruptions all over the city.
Township Café is a partnership between Friction Arts, Afrovibes Festival and mac birmingham. It is based in the Arena Café at mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, with events also appearing at the Drum.

 

afrovibes festival brochure

There are plenty of events on at the café throughout the festival week; here’s a selection that Friction are hosting.

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Monday 20th October
Albert Smith and Friction Arts host ‘Conversation, Bread and a Cuppa’ on Monday 20th October from 3pm – 6pm in the Township Café. Come and share stories and break bread with this former Josie resident and comedian. Sessions are drop-in but we recommend you spend at least half an hour with Albert! And if you miss him then you can catch Albert for late night comedy as part of the Late Night Comedy evening from 10pm.

afrovibes festival 2

From 5pm on Thursday 23rd October we welcome you to an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony led by Tasfir from Addis Café, Stratford Rd. This is a relaxing, aromatic ceremony with delicious coffee, popcorn and incense.

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From 6pm we also welcome ethnomusicologist Peter Cooke who will share stories of his life’s work researching the music of Uganda. Peter will bring his collection of Ugandan instruments including amadinda xylophones for an informal workshop, and all welcome to join in.

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Then at 7pm we invite you to listen to our Tin Can Choir – surprises in store as we bring you unique songs and poetry created with local artists and community members responding to stories of home, Africa, Birmingham and beyond.

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From 9.30pm on Friday 24th we are delighted to present Inclement Quartet and guests. Live music with international artists playing original sounds from South Africa to Swaziland, Birmingham and beyond.

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Finally on the evening of Friday 24th the party moves to the Edge where we will host the Fringe Afterparty for the festival. You’re welcome to join us and party with the crew of atists and volunteers

who made the cafe, at
The Edge
79-81 Cheapside
Digbeth
B12 0QH

We hope something there has wet your whistle, but if not there is full information of other events at http://macbirmingham.co.uk/ – pop in to the cafe and meet the team. We’d love to see you!