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The University of Maine hosted the second annual Harambe Jazz Festival this past Saturday. Under a sky that went from sunny to freezing cold, Maine’s best local talent took to a small stage for intimate afternoon jam sessions on the mall for the UMaine community.
Three diverse jazz acts headlined the event: the Chris Poulin Quintet from Mid-Coast Maine, Ahmed Hassan Muhammad and his trio from Portland, and Michael Beling from South Portland. UMaine’s Director of Multicultural Programs Judith Josiah-Martin , organized the event while student Kevin Lauze served as coordinator.
One did not need to be an expert on African culture to notice that the music featured was not traditional Harambe music. However, according to Josiah-Martin, that was not of capital concern. Her original intent in hosting an African festival with American music was to celebrate the deeper meaning of the tradition, which was unity among members of the community. “Harambe” means “working together in unity” in Swahili.
Each act brought its own unique style of jazz to the stage. The Chris Poulin Quintet featured an infusion of funk and jazz in their set. Hassan Muhammad’s set featured music which slowly captured the audience in melodies gentler than perfume. Michael Beling’s songs carried the more whimsical elements of jazz. It was a modest compilation of creativity that showcased the local community’s more creative side.
The free festival was held from 12 to 3 p.m. and next year’s festival is tentatively scheduled to be held at the same time.
Bangor Daily News