2013-05-10

Fools In Paradise
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All FOOLS IN PARADISE shows are ALL AGES & NON-SMOKING unless otherwise noted.


Thursday, April 12th, 2018 5:30-8pm -- African Dinner and Crafts Market Fundraiser for Harambee Centre
Calvin Presbyterian Church, 10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard OR
Suggested donation $50. We're playing 5:30-6 and 7:45-8, get there early to catch us!
Harambee Centre fights disease and poverty in rural Kenya. For more information: HarambeeCentre.org





“Fools in Paradise is a delight to the ear and eye that MAKES YOU WANT TO DANCE. This African-costumed band's stage behavior is FUN to watch, and you can count on these pros to give a GREAT performance. They were the highlight of the 2005 Wilsonville Festival of Arts!”
Theonie Gilmore
Executive Director, Wilsonville Arts & Culture Council

“A rhythm-centric party!”
The Oregonian A&E, 3/31/06

“…It was a great pleasure for all of us at ISOSU [International Students of Oregon State University] to be able to see you exhibit your culture through song and music, the crowd really enjoyed all that you had to offer and it was a wonderful program thanks to your contribution.”
David "Bruce" Ni
ISOSU Coordinator of Events

“…very talented and gifted musicians… I enthusiastically recommend individuals and organizations looking to bring a live musical performance to their campus to consider Fools in Paradise.”
Heather Flynn
Director of Student Services
Linfield College - Portland Campus

“…their performance was a delight.”
John Donovan
Metro Council Communications Officer

“sensational!”
The Columbian (Vancouver, WA) 8/28/06

“The students of PCC Cascade were very impressed with your music, and many asked us to invite you back again soon.”
Kendi Esary
Student Leadership Coordinator
Portland Community College, Cascade Campus

“A fantastic mix of music, costume and dance.”
The Seaside Signal, 8/9/07

“…the joyous music was the perfect soundtrack for a summer afternoon in the park.”
Beatriz Pascual
Fairview-Columbia Library

“I want to thank you and the rest of Fools in Paradise for playing at our 10th anniversary celebration! As you could see, everyone loved you.”
Laura Ford
NW Earth Institute

“Thanks so much for performing for us last night. Everyone had nothing but nice things to say about the performance. It is indeed joyful upbeat music!”
Julie Wickman
Tualatin Library Program Specialist

“Last night we had almost 300 people in attendance for Fools in Paradise, a fabulous marimba band. By the last song, much of the crowd was up and dancing!”
Cherie Rainwater
Public Services Assistant, Tualatin Public Library

“Kite and gang - Thank you all for joining us for World Sounds 2012. You are all fantastic, and bring such good playful energy to the guests of the museum. Thank you for sharing your music and passion. I hope that we can continue having you all here throughout the years.”
Susan Choate
Portland Children's museum


Official Young Audiences evaluation of our educational program:
Strengths: “The amazing combination of musical and communication skills enabled these six artists to fully engage all 400 kids in this multiracial K-8 school.”
Weaknesses: “Can't find a weakness.”
Factors affecting success of the program: “In favor of success: Large, colorful map, clear signs showing many different terms used, both African and English.”
Additional comments: “Visually, the marimbas, drums and other instruments are inherently captivating, even before they play a note. African textiles used also add to the effect. They conveyed so many concepts during that hour, moving seamlessly from one song to the next, all the while the kids were clapping or moving to the music. Truly a joyous learning experience.”


Sweet, sweet mbira music

Fools In Paradise has played at:

Oregon Convention Center, McMenamins Kennedy School,
Reed College, Portland State University, Portland Community College,
Linfield College, Oregon Zoo, Seattle Center, Pacific NW College of Art,
Blue Lake Park, Tryon Creek State Park, Waterfront Park,
and various Washington, Clackamas, Clark and
Multnomah county schools and libraries.

Fools In Paradise has appeared with:

Chata Addy, Naby Camara, Musekiwa Chingodza, Nojeem Lasisi & Jujuba,
Cosmos Magaya & Vakasara, and Kudana Marimba.