Crocodile River Music Presents MaliFest 2025: A Weekend of Music, Dance and Culture!
Event info
| Date: | December 6, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 9:30 am |
Details
Crocodile River Music (CRM) is thrilled to announce MaliFest 2025, a two-day FREE celebration of Malian music, dance and art, taking place Saturday, December 6th, and Sunday, December 7th. African drum and dance workshops will be held at the Hanover Theatre Conservatory, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday, the 6th, and from 10 am to 12 noon on Sunday, the 7th. The concerts will be held in the BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC) at 6 pm on Saturday, the 6th, and at 1 pm on Sunday, the 7th..
This year’s festival brings together an incredible lineup of artists, musicians, and artisans from across the African continent and the diaspora.
Festival Highlights
● Saturday Evening Concert (6:00 PM) – Bala Fanga featuring Balla Kouyate and Mamadou Diabate brings the melodies and energy of Mali’s balafon traditions to life.
● Sunday Afternoon Concert (1:00 PM) – A special performance by Crocodile River Music, known for their powerful blend of traditional West African and contemporary sounds.
● Dance and Drum Classes – Led by renowned artists such as Djeneba Sako, Abdoul Doumbia and Joh Camara these workshops offer a chance for participants to move, drum and connect through rhythm.
● African Marketplace – Open throughout the weekend, featuring artists and artisans from across Africa and the diaspora, including the amazing Abu Mwenye. A showcase handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and more just in time for the Holidays.
● Sunday Morning Family Matinée – A joyful drum and dance session designed especially for children and parents to learn, move and celebrate together.
Experience the Spirit of Mali
MaliFest 2025 is more than a festival -it’s a celebration of connection, creativity and cultural heritage. From traditional drumming to contemporary African art, this FREE event invites everyone to experience the rich tapestry of West African expression right here in the Heart of the Commonwealth.
Join us for a weekend of free music, movement and community you won’t forget!
Event Details:
📍 Hanover Theatre Conservatory & the BrickBox Theater at JMAC, Worcester, MA
️ Saturday, December 6 – Sunday, December 7, 2025
️ Workshops: Saturday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; Sunday 10 am – 12 noon
️Concerts: Saturday 6 pm & Sun 1 pm