Juba Marimba, Celtic Roots December 31, 2007

Juba Marimba plays lively, upbeat music that lifts the spirits and brightens any day. Their music is played on seven marimbas -- large wooden xylophones. They weave interlocking rhythms together with a melody that tells a musical story. Their music comes mainly from Zimbabwe in Africa but they also add a few songs from other parts of the world. Celebrating seven years of music making, Juba Marimba includes nine members from Bellingham and the Skagit Valley who have built their own instruments and learned music together to share with others.

Celtic Roots play traditional Celtic and American music and some pieces that are newer but have that lovely traditional sound. They play aires, waltzes, reels and jigs, entwining the melodies with lilting harmonies and crisp rhythms. Celtic Roots includes John Borso, Hammered Dulcimer; Pam Borso, Guitar; Jimi Gregory, Fiddle; and Beverly Porter, flute.