* Come celebrate with us * Kiahkeya Launch Kathi von Koerber Invites you to

Tuesday September 26th, 2006 10:30 pm 4:00 am — FREE Hiro Ballroom, Maritime Hotel NYC. 363 West 16th street New York 10011 NY

Attire: EXPRESS YOUR TRIBAL SELF! Info: 917-387-8680 party@kiahkeya.com

Evening Program

10:30 Abdoulaye Alhassane native to Mali, former band leader to "Mamar Kassey," presents Songs of the Desert.

10:45 Special Guest: Sekou Keita (Mali)
(Salif Keitas dance band member) Tribal dance performance, together with Kiahkeya drummers and dancers.

11:15 Trailer premier of the Film 'Footsteps IN Africa'
An art documentary on the music and dance of the Touareg from Mali.

11:45 Nigeria meets Brooklyn
Amayo's Fu-Arkist-Ra will premier an intergalactic Afro-Beat 12 person-band show 'Rhythms of Resistance.'

After midnight Dance till the early hours
dj Fabian Alsultany (Globesonic/Bodytemple) spins into the early morning!!! with tribal visuals by VJ Matyas and Benno Klandt

The formal flourishing of Kiahkeya is an event with visionary intention. The evening will showcase adventurous photographers from four continents, as well an evening program that will take you on a journey accompanied by many more artists and special guests in addition to the ones mentioned above!


KIAHKEYA is an environmentally conscious production company that serves as a platform for artists to share their diverse cultural influences and expressions through the realization of projects. Derived from Sanskrit, Kiahkeya means the "beginning of a new flower." Kiahkeya was founded by Kathi von Koerber in 2005. KIAHKEYA's mission is to inform and disseminate ART, CREATIVITY and SPIRITUALITY for the purpose of cross-cultural and environmental equality and tolerance through a variety of initiatives, from dance performances to workshops to films.

In conjunction, contributions can be made at the Kiahkeya launch to the 'Raintrust Foundation' and the 'Festival in the Desert'.

RainTrust's sponsor an acre program allows individuals to take the first step in stopping de-forestation. The Tax-deductible contribution is broken down as follows:

• Education & Community Development; providing local people with the knowledge and skills they need to protect, manage and monetize their environment.
• Micro financing; Helping local entrepreneurs secure small loans to finance the development of eco-friendly, sustainable businesses that nurture local communities.
• Marketing Support; Teaming with marketing and distribution specialists around the world to bring Rainforest products and services to the attention of the global marketplace.
• Conservation Easements; establishing innovative, strict and enforceable conservation agreements with landowners to create the largest proprietary Rainforest reserve in the world.

Today, the Saharan Festival is opened to the external world and welcomes artists from other Malian regions, other African countries, but also from Europe and from the whole world. It is a discerning place of expression for the Touaregs in Mali. Mali being one of the poorest countries in Africa, and the Touareg a hard lined minority operates on a shoestring budget. The Kiahkeya Ensemble performed 'Intaka' at the Festival January 2006, and shot part of the film 'Footsteps in Africa' on location at the Festival.

Event Supporters & Partners:

' If '; Inspiration Festival 25th -27th of September 2006
By day, ' If '; Inspiration Festival is a speaker series featuring international thought leaders from a cross-section of industries such as art, science, technology, business and media. By night, if transforms into interactive and immersive parties and performances. ' If ' is an opportunity to find inspiration, discuss the creative process, exchange ideas, and take action. ' If ' is a 3-day series of immersive events, under the banner of Inspiration. Kathi von Koerber and the Kiahkeya Launch Event are one of the Event presenters of the Festival. Juliette Powell, founder of the ' If ', Inspiration Festival is the Kiahkeya Evening MC.

New York Festivals

Event Committee: Andrea Ehrenberg Casey Meade Rothstein Fitzpatrick Eva Respini Heather Mabin Lilly Ladjivardi Petal Largie Tomas Sandbirchner

Event Sponsors:

Fiji

Madiba New York

Momo Falana

Tucker Robbins At Tucker Robbins, every piece is made of living solid woods from distant lands. The mission is to bridge between disparate cultures be they African, Japanese, American or tribal. Great design and authentic tradition is Tucker Robbins signature, and pieces will be present at the Kiahkeya launch.

Event Organizers:

Aira Events, Andrea Aehrenberg, Jamie Ellen Bailey, and Kathi von Koerber.

Design By:

Mareile Paley, Hello NYC, and Randy Kato

Artist Directory

Abdoulaye Alhassane is a brilliant multi-instrumentalist, composer and>producer from Niger and Mali. His principle instrument is guitar, and he sings and plays Molo, Gurmi and a number of other CentralSaharan string instruments. He was musical director, composer and lead guitarist for the wonderful Niger roots band, Mamar Kassey, that toured internationally to rave reviews. Of the same tradition as his mentor, Ali Farka Toure, Abdoulaye Alhassane is a master of the music of many Saharan cultures and languages: Songhai, Sonrai, Tamaschek, Peul, Toureg, Zerma, Hausa and others. His music is rich in complex and highly danceable rhythms, beautiful blue modes, and full of joyous enthusiasm.
http://www.afropop.org/explore/album_review/ID/1746/Alatoumi
10:30 pm.

Akim Funk Buddha Raised in Zimbabwe, from the streets of Bali to Carnegie Hall, from meditative throat singing to high-energy Hip Hop rhymes, Akim Funk Buddha creates borderless performance art, fusing sounds and movements. An avid world traveler and self-described old-school B-boy MC, he is known for his holistic approach to Hip Hop, drawing from a full spectrum of cultural traditions and artistic disciplines. Akim has recently performed at Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Rubin Museum, Blue Note and with Bill T. Jones at Yerba Buena Center (CA).
http://www.funkbuddha.org

Amayo's Fu-Arkist-Ra, AMAYO British-born of Nigerian parents, Amayo's spirit was first ignited at Fela's club, The Shrine, in Lagos, Nigeria. While growing up in Lagos, his primary passions were dancing and practicing Kung Fu to the rhythms of Funk and Afro beat. His vibrant spirit and grooving ensemble the FU-ARKIST-RA are based in Brooklyn; 12 members including a few members of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, and guests such as Jojo Kuo & Ola, Kunle Ade (son of juju legend King Suny Ade) and Sun Ra musicians.
http://www.fuarkistra.com

Ben Wittman Percussionist, composer, and producer Ben Wittman was raised in the creative and adventures spirit of his faculty parents at Benington College, Vermont. He is highly inspired by Brazilian, African and Cuban cultures, and melds his traditional Ghanaian drumming studies with his love of more contemporary funk/dance-based rhythms. His tenure in New York has also included recording and performing with a diverse range of artists from Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson, Jonathan Brooke and Rosanne Cash, to international tours with Erasure, Solas, Keiko Lee, Jiro Yoshida, and Yungchen Lhamo.
http://www.benwittman.com/

Brahim Fribgane Born and raised in Morocco, a country rich in musical traditions, Brahim grew up surrounded by North African, Gnawa, Berber, Arabic and Andulusian music. Greatly influenced by the Iraqi musician, Munir Bechir, Brahim began playing oud. As a remarkably creative and diverse musician, Brahim takes the doumbek to new levels, expressing the rhythmic complexities of a drum set with this one instrument. He alternately blends and contrasts rhythms while at the same time keeping his listeners and fellow musicians rhythmically secure.
www.brahimfribgane.com

Cati and David Castillo Llamas Catrina Nehme and David Castillo llamas Catrina Nehme Canadian born of Lebanese / French parents is the creator of "metamorphosis" an aerial dance act filled with visual poetry. Together with David Castillo Llamas (Mexican) she is the co-creator of "Fantasy in Movement", a theatre /circus repertory of street arts performance and Clown. David Castillo Llamas takes his inspiration from the color blue, manifesting dream like characters, which he performs.
fantasiaenmovimiento@hotmail.com

DJ Chrome Cutting edge New York City DJ for over 10 years DJ Chrome, who specializes in drum-n-bass, tribal and tech house and world-beat. Starting in the 90s DJ Chrome sought to combine his fervor for activism and his love for music through sustainable energy projects. IN 2003, DJ Chrome toured the US with a Veggie Powered Bus called the "B.I.O. Tour ". Currently he is underway to start up Tri-State Biodiesel LLC in New York City. His company will be dedicated to providing New York City and the surrounding region with clean, renewable Biodiesel fuel.
http://www.tristatebiodiesel.com
www.biotour.org

dj Fabian Alsultany As founder of internationally-acclaimed DJ troupe GlobeSonic Sound System, New York City born Cuban-Iraqi Fabian Alsultany has been bringing the sounds of the world around the world. With Beirut, Egypt, Brazil, London, and cross-continental US behind him, Fabian fuses many cultures into one global mix with his eclectic fusion of bass-banging tracks. Compiler of numerous compilations and serving as Director of A&R and Festivals at Palm Pictures, resident dj of NYC's holistic rave Body Temple, and founder of former production agency Uprise Management & Productions, he is both creating and spinning future music now. With an impressive sonic palate ranging from Trancedance ritual to four-on-the-floor stompers, Fabian delivers the planet to your ears.
www.globesonic.com
www.bodytemple.info

Drossercapillariss Dancers Sight Specific Installation performance group, mixing the mediums of Butoh dance, surrealisim, and Tribal african dance. Directed and performed by Evelyn Dann
Dance group members: Erin Kelly, Ann Lee, Dawn Crandell and Rasen.

Evelyn Dann Evelyna is a Swiss-German/New Yorker who has been highly active in the underground performance scene for over a decade. A world traveler, dancer and choreographer she mixes the elements of Butoh, Cunningham technique and Murray Louis' approach to dance with her own Swiss Dadaist routes. She has performed and collaborated throughout Europe and the US, with La MaMa E.T.C., Fringe Festivals to hidden city vaulted catacombs. Currently she's dancing with the Butoh Raquettes in Noemie Lafrance's "Agora" at Brooklyn's McCarren Pool, and has solo performances in Italy with C.A.M. Art Company. A true pioneer of movement through society and space.
www.gojico.org

Haale was born in New York City. Her parents arrived in America from Iran in 1974 and she grew up as many 1st generation kids do with two cultures, two languages, and two worlds to assimilate. As she says: "I grew up with Hendrix in one ear and Hayedah (Persian singer) in the other." Infusing Sufi rock, hypnotic guitars and ancient voice trajecting into the future Haale has become a bright flame on the NYC horizon.
www.haale.com

Hari Parkash is a mexican dancer, singer and actor who soulfully brings three elements together in her performance wrok ; creating in a Universal language; establishing ceremony for and with the earth, and empowering our true human nature. Hari Parkash has trained in Odissi temple dance, improvisational action theater, middle Eastern dance, lyrical and devotional singing and recently Butoh dance from Japan. She has performed with world class ensembles, as well as solo performances through out the US, South America,Europe and recently in Africa. She is a core member of the Kiahkeya ensemble.

Hassan Hakmoun, By age four, Hassan performed alongside snake charmers and fire-breathers on Marrakech streets. His mother is known throughout the city as a mystic healer. Her derdeba trance ceremonies are all-night affairs where hypnotic playing and chanting exorcise evil spirits. This musical form, steeped in Islamic mysticism and West African rhythms, lifts the spirit and heals the wounded with songs of praise. Hakmoun has resided in the US ever since. Hakmoun became a regular fixture in New York's rock, jazz, and fusion scenes, and earned his following for spanning multiple genres with his spiritually charged voice and playing.
http://www.hassanhakmoun.com

Jamshied Sharifi of Iranian heritage was exposed to Middle Eastern music through his father In the 1980's; Jamshied began to look outside of Western music for inspiration and spiritual nourishment. He then spent time studying Ghanaian, African and Middle Eastern music, which began to reconnect him to music he'd heard as a child To achieve this sound, Jamshied uses a breath controller, which allows the player to 'blow' or 'bow' the synthesizer with his breath. He also uses a ribbon controller that allows the player to bend pitch smoothly and continuously with the finger, as with a violin. Using both of these techniques, the instrument becomes a "wind-driven fretless synthesizer."

Juliette Powell began her career as an on-air TV interviewer, producer and personality, working with newsmakers. Juliette there after hosted and produced live televised events with luminaries such as Prince Charles and Nelson Mandela, and in 2001, Juliette was appointed as a youth delegate to the United Nations. In 2002, pursuing her innovative worldview, Juliette co-founded the Gathering Think Tank Inc. to provide a forum for innovation and ideas that would better serve her clients overall strategic needs. In 2006, Juliette expands on the Gathering theme by opening it up to award-winning content creators. Thus the Inspiration Festival idea was born and is partnered with Kiahkeya.
www.thegatheringwebsite.org
http://www.inspirationfestival.com

Kathi von Koerber Founder of Kiahkeya, has been born and raised in the frame of a nomadic artist. Born in South Africa, she later moved to Germany, to then study in China and to then move to New York and become a dancer/filmmaker VJ. She has danced for over 23 years, and studied many tribal dances from Africa, central and South America and specifically Butoh dance from Japan. Passionate about preserving Tribal values, ceremony and environmental sustainability, she has performed as a VJ, dancer, and performer around the world. With Kiahkeya company she has shot her first feature film on the Tuareg of the Sahara, called 'Footsteps in Africa' due to come out beginning January 2007. As the Director of the INTAKA show, the Kiahkeya ensemble will do their US premier after touring Switzerland, Mali and Mexico.
www.kiahkeya.com

Matyas Kelemen Romanian born, Brooklynite VJ Matyas is a multi talented visual artist/VJ/DJ, and pioneer of the audiovisual show world. From past debuts on Broadway to Eco Raves in the Brazilian jungle, Matyas weaves, sound synced imagery into real time multi-media performances. His passion is to display the interconnectedness between image, sound and soul, laying out mutli-panneled stories that encompass the audience.
www.realityengine.org

Odin Govinda is a Mexican musician, specialized In percussions of the world. Musically Odin learnt classical Indian music for 3 years in India, and he also mastered South American rhythms, darbouka, bata and the Adrican djembe drum. Multi-talented, he is also highly active in the perma culture community internationally, advocating sustainable living, farming, building and also indigenous preservation projects. Odin is a core member of the Kiahkeya ensemble.

Parashakti A native of Jerusalem, Israel, Parashakti melds the teachings of dance, shamanism and the yogic arts. An adept at massage therapy, yoga and Trance Dance - a communal ritual blurring the lines between dance, music, and internal therapy - she is a healer in every facet of the word. Parashakti travels internationally and conducts ceremonies, workshops and events within a ritual context. 'There's a world behind the one we see, one humans have pursued since first inhabiting this planet'.
http://www.parashakti.org

Sekou Amala Keita grew up in Mali, and since his childhood has lived with traditional African dance being part of his everyday life. His dance finesse was further more enhanced by his studies in France at the "cole de Danse Georges Momboye" and the "cole de Danse de Paris". He there after became chorographical assistant to the Senegalese Singer Nabou N'Diop (Gruppe Tour Kunda) and since fall 2005 he is the chief choreographer and dancer for the singer Salif Keita, with whom he tours internationally.
http://salifkeita.artistes.universalmusic.fr

Sokhna Heathyre Mabin is a vocalist, dancer, yoga teacher, doula and mother. Music and rhythm have guided her to dance with great artists such as Bill T. Jones, Pat Hall/Pam Patrick, and performance artists Elisa Jimenez & Jenny Lynn Mcnutt. Voccal calling has brought her to work with electronic musicians such as Dean Bowman, Marie Afonso and many caves, mountains and clubs. Ms. Mabin has travelled around the world to find the sacred flow of rhythm.

South African drummers

Tonya Tbird Ridgely part native American and also African converges many spirits and music. Trained in the classical flute, at Carnegie Mellon and Cal arts, CA, she weaves in Asian, Middle Eastern, and African avant-garde compositions, combined with simultaneous vocalization. An integrator of many talents, she has composed tribal compositions for Butoh dance, and is a core member of the Kiahkeya ensemble. Tonya has worked with Ry Cooder, Ustad Hossein Alizadeth and Nyoman Wenten.
http://www.tbirdluv.com/

Adventurous photography exhibited by:

Sebastian Belaustegui (Mexican /Argentinian) Work Title: 'Africa in the Americas'.

Matthieu Paley (French) Work Title: 'Nomadism in Asia'.

Hiroko Komiya (Japanese) Work Title: 'Butoh Nature dance'

Andreas Lang (Germany) Work Title: 'Gypsy Diaspora, Tuaregs in Mali'

Philipp Engelhorn (Germany) Work Title; 'The Tuaregs'

Kathi von Koerber (Germany) Work Title; 'The Jao Hansi/Bushmen'.

Danny Pendino (Argentinian) Work Title: 'Natures Path'