APRIL 30 CONCERT TO FEATURE CAROLINE ROOD, DAVID NEIWEEM AND DANCERS ELLIE WALLACE AND CORY CAMERLENGO:

A wonderful and important music and dance event is set for this coming Sunday, April 30.

 

“Songs of Oppression… Songs of Hope for the Women of the Congo!” will take place at 4pm at the First Congregational Church UCC of Burlington Chapel at 38 South Winooski Avenue in Burlington.

The event will feature soloist in sacred, classical and contemporary song, Caroline Rood.  Ms. Rood  will be accompanied by UVM Professor of Music and Director of Music at First Congregational Church of Burlington, David Neiweem on piano.   The event will include a dance performance by Ellie Wallace and Corey Camerlengo of Spotlight Studio.

Between musical and dance selections, Cleophace Mukeba, Director of the Vermont Ibutwa Initiative (VIBI) will give brief reflections about life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the hopeful mission and work of the Vermont Ibutwa Initiative. Mr. Mukeba moved to Vermont as a refugee in 2005.  Now a U.S. citizen, he has returned twice to the DRC to work with women to form an empowering organization employing their goals and vision.  The woman pictured in the event photo (see attachments) is a VIBI participant who has worked with the organization to establish a small but thriving bakery business in the D.R. Congo.

A free will offering – in support of the mission and work of the Vermont Ibutwa Initiative – health care access, education for children, and sustainable livelihood programs benefit ting women and children in the DR Congo – will be invited at the event.