Trinidad and Tobago Sweet Tassa, a tassa group based in the Tampa/Orlando area, is hosting Lenny Kumar, one of the most recognized tassa drummers today, at their master classes and performances in Gainesville this week, including a master class in Building R, room 01 at Santa Fe College at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 9.
Tassa is a drum of North Indian origin that came to the Caribbean with Indian indentured laborers from 1838-1917 when hundred of thousands of Indians came to Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago. In the 21st century, Indo-Caribbean culture in Trinidad and Tobago is flourishing, and Tassa is an important part of it. It is used for Hindu weddings, Muslim Hossay (the local name for the Muharram observance), and for parties and cultural events.
All events are free and open to the public.
Flyer with more information, including performances and master classes at UF on Friday – PDF
Contact Chris Ballengee for more information at 352-682-5162 or chrisbal@ufl.edu.
~submitted by Professor Brian Holder, Fine Arts Department