There's been a band change for the final concert of the FOOTMAD concert series, set for April 5. The trio Tres Souls will not be performing as previously reported.
On the same day that FOOTMAD organizers learned that the trio, Tres Souls, from Los Angeles would be canceling, they learned that Dance of Hope from Uganda would be passing through West Virginia.
"It happens in this business. Sometimes groups fall apart. This opened an opportunity for us to reprise one of our most impactful events," explained Rebecca Park, manager of Kanawha Valley FOOTMAD or Friends of Old-Time Music and Dance. "When Dance of Hope performed here in 2023 no one wanted them to leave! To be so young and to have endured such hardship, they taught us that being kind and patient with each other is more important than what your background is. And they were all wonderfully talented!"
Dance of Hope is a touring performance group of 11- to 22-year-olds who dance, drum and sing in the traditions of their villages in Uganda. They have learned music and dance at a center for vulnerable children in the capital city Kampala, where a favorite slogan is "Music to the Rescue!"
In keeping with the original Latin theme, ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's salsa band Cariño will play a short opening set. Dance of Hope will headline, and their talented tour producer Chinobay will contribute several numbers on the kora. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at Capital Theater, 123 Summers Street.
Tres Souls tickets will be honored, or patrons can call 304-729-4382 for other options. Tickets are $25 in advance online at FOOTMAD.org or by phone, $30 at the door. Student tickets are $10 and children under age 13 are admitted free, as are Americorps/VISTA members.
This program is presented with funding from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the West Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts.
