Artist Julianne Tomich holds talk at library

Homer artist Julianne Tomich’s paintings of birds are featured in the Fireside Reading Room through mid-April at the Homer Public Library . She will give a talk on the making of her paintings and how to make your own frames and canvases at 6 p.m. March 31 at the library. 

Tacoma musician to play African music at K-Bay Caffé

Tacoma, Wash., musician Jeff Brahe brings African-infused music and dance to Homer in a solo concert at 6 p.m. March 31 at K-Bay Caffé. Originally from New Mexico, Brahe visits Homer to do workshops with some of Homer’s marimba groups. He will be performing music and dance from Zimbabwe and beyond, including singing, mbira music and dance styles ranging from South African gumboot to electronic and hip hop. Much of Brahe’s music comes from the mbira, an ancient instrument played by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It consists of a wooden soundboard with metal keys that the player plucks, and a large gourd that acts as a resonator.

Brahe’s performance also includes another African tradtion: audience participation.

“I like to get the crowd involved in what they’re seeing and hearing. I want to help people learn about the roots of their favorite music styles, but also show them something they’ve never seen before,” he said.