Olympia Eagles Proud to Host “Equinox A-Go-Go” Procession of the Species Benefit

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Submitted by The Procession of the Species 

The Olympia Eagles will host a fun and exciting evening of dance music to welcome the Fall Equinox and benefit the Procession of the Species. “Equinox A-Go-Go” will feature the lively, joyous music of Mukana Marimba Band, bringing the sounds of Zimbabwe to the grateful ears of Olympia’s music lovers and supporters of the Procession, Olympia’s unique springtime celebration of art and nature.

The Procession benefit will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, in the Eagles’ clubroom, perhaps the finest venue for dance music in downtown Olympia. The clubroom features a full bar, yet is a family-friendly space that welcomes all ages until 11:00 p.m. “So bring the kids!” encourages John Kersting, a past President of the Eagles, and one of the evening’s promoters. 

Silent Auction items will include custom batik pieces from the Procession studio.
Silent Auction items will include custom batik pieces from the Procession studio.

The evening will also feature an auction of custom-made batik artworks, and opportunities to sign up for batik lessons being taught continuously at the Procession Studio on 4th Avenue.

Mukana Marimba Band is an Olympia-based ensemble performing the music of Zimbabwe since 1998, carrying on a tradition of Pacific Northwest marimba music that has been at home here since the 1970’s. The songs are learned from workshops with American and Zimbabwean teachers, and sharing with other bands — this music is typically not written down but is passed on through the oral tradition. 

Zimbabwean music was originally brought to the Pacific Northwest in the 1970’s by Dumisani Mariare (“Dumi”), a Zimbabwean musician who came to Seattle to study philosophy, and later ethnomusicology, but stayed on to teach marimba music throughout this area.  According to Equinox A-Go-Go promoter and former Eagles chairman Doug Riddels, “Dumi taught at The Evergreen State College here in Olympia in the 1970’s, when I was a student there, so it’s really nice to have a local marimba band again, seeing the musical tradition sort of come full circle. We’re really excited that they want to help support the Procession.” 

The September 23 benefit concert will support one of Olympia's longest running and most beloved traditions, The Procession of the Species. Photo credit: Shanna Paxton Photography
The September 23 benefit concert will support one of Olympia’s longest running and most beloved traditions, The Procession of the Species. Photo credit: Shanna Paxton Photography

Mukana just published their first CD, which will be available at Equinox A-Go-Go, or by request through MukanaMarimba.com or on Facebook. 

Equinox A-Go-Go promises an evening of great dance music and conviviality for a suggested donation of only $8, with all proceeds going directly to the Procession. The event is all-ages until 11:00 p.m. and kids get in free. The Eagles clubroom is open to members and their guests only, but as Procession Board member and Eagles trustee Nicole Mercier explains, “So many Procession volunteers are also Eagles members, and vice versa, that we’re not worried about attendance. If you know Procession folks, then you know an Eagle who can invite you in!” The Eagles clubroom is at 805 E. 4th Ave., in downtown Olympia.

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