Perfect weather and some great entertainment made last night’s First Friday in downtown Manteo about as good as it gets.
It seemed as though there was something happening everywhere along the waterfront. Some great music from Toolan and Evens at NouVines, Bill Rae was at 1587…but the show stopper was the Saakumu Dance Troupe in Dare Arts Courtyard.
Playing the rhythms of contemporary Ghana that included a distinct nod to the traditions of the country, what Saakumu brought to the courtyard was an evening of high energy, color and fascinating and compelling rhythms.
The rhythms were so compelling hat at times the troupe had the public join in.
But it was not just drumming. The troupe brought out a Gyil—a xylophone like instrument that is an integral part of Ghanian culture.
The instrument uses wooden keys with gourds under each key to create the sound. Part of the unique sound of the instrument comes from the dried, stretched spider webs over a sound hole in each gourd.
Of course, First Friday was something happening everywhere in along the town’s waterfront. Lots of music, but also Jamie Anderson at Downtown Books always brings in someone special for the evening.
Last month it was Matthew Quick, the author of the Silver Linings Playbook and more recently We Are The Light.
This month Jamie turned to local author LaVern Davis, author of Our Family, Its History, Their Boats. The last part of the book details the history of her grandfather, father and uncle and their amazing career in racing boats.
She was on hand at Downtown Books with one of the trophies her father had won. She had just retrieved it from Florida.
Next First Friday is June 2. If you’re on the Outer Banks, plan to be there.
Always something happening on the Outer Banks from Corolla to Hatteras Village. Take some time to explore this sandbar by the sea while staying in a Brindley Beach Vacations home.