Jaclyn Pedalino- director, script writer, multimedia specialist, musician, teacher      

Jaclyn Pedalino comes to this project with a diverse background of skills and experiences. As an accomplished musician, Jaclyn has performed on multiple instruments in a variety of settings. From performing as a piano accompanist for Julliard recitals, to improvising flute riffs for a Japanese reggae band's Sony release in Tokyo, Jaclyn now brings her trained ears to the direction of Faatelikou.  In addition to being a musician, Jaclyn is an experienced teacher. After graduating magna cum laude from Boston University with a BA in Psychology and a BA in Music, Jaclyn went on to teach English as a Second Language, Japanese, and piano here in the USA and beyond in Tokyo, Japan and Banjul, Gambia. Furthermore, for the last several years Jaclyn has been working closely with Ibou Ndoye as his manager and primary booking agent. Jaclyn regularly uses her artistic eye to direct the hanging of Ibou's colorful art exhibitions. Leading in the creation of Faatelikou has guided Jaclyn in becoming proficient in video and image editing, computer animation, and sound editing, as well as theatre directing. Jaclyn has an obvious passion for international arts and culture, so she has been thrilled to be able to combine and share knowledge acquired at home and abroad with her natural musical and artistic abilities in an educational environment. 

Ibou Ndoye- visual artist, storyteller/writer, teacher, actor             

Hailing from Dakar, Senegal, Ibou Ndoye has brought both his entertaining original short stories and his innovative artwork to Faatelikou. Still images of Ibou's paintings as well as animations of Ibou's characters set to photographic backdrops form some of the most memorable Faatelikou scenery. Most well known as a visual artist, Ibou has combined modernism and traditionalism to create a painting style of his own. By breaking and layering glass, Ibou has renovated the 100-year-old tradition of Senegalese reverse glass painting. Ibou relocated from Senegal to America in 2001 and took one step further by mixing glass with plastics and other materials common to our modern environment. Despite the subject matter being kept uniquely "African," it is not unusual to find Ibou stapling scraps of soda cans onto vibrantly painted CD cases portraying traditional African life. Ibou feels that the cultural fusion in his stories and art enable him to communicate in an understandable universal language. Ibou regularly exhibits his art both locally and internationally in addition to holding glass painting workshops, lectures and storytelling events at museums, schools, libraries and nursing homes where he intends to continue promoting and expanding his artistic vision through cultural exchange.  Visit www.iboundoye.com for more about Ibou.
Alisha Zebulon-Sow - dancer, choreographer, actress, vocalist           

Born into a family of artists, Alisha Zebulon-Sow was destined to pursue a career as a performer. Now Alisha is excited to be sharing her talents in Faatelikou. At age 5, Alisha began studying ballet at the Joffrey Ballet School, followed by jazz and tap. Called by the sound of drum, Alisha later decided to pursue African dance. In 1997 Alisha graduated from the New School with a BA in Cultural Studies and a BFA in Jazz. Within a short time, Alisha was asked to join African dance companies such as Maimouna Keita, Djoniba Dance Ensemble and Ballet Bougaraboo. After many years of performing in Europe, Africa and the Americas, Alisha began her teaching career as an independent contractor in the NYC public schools. In addition to dance, Alisha is also a very accomplished vocal recording artist, and has collaborated with jazz greats such as Lester Bowie and world musician Vieux Diop. Currently Alisha is teaching traditional African dance classes throughout the region, and is performing with world music groups Heritage O.P., and Bonga and the Voudou Jazz Ensemble. Alisha hopes to use her knowledge and talents to inspire young and old alike to explore and learn about world culture.  
 

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We offer more than just Faatelikou... 
 
 

Painting Workshops  

Ibou Ndoye leads his classes in exploring the art of traditional African glass painting with a contemporary flare. From painting plastic CD cases, to layering fragments of glass, Ibou reveals to students how simple materials can become beautiful works of art. Workshops are open to students of ages 4 through adulthood, and run for 1 to 3 hours. Weekly classes ending with a student exhibit/collaborative project are also available. Call 917-400-1658 for booking.    

Storytelling Hour

Accompanied by his djembe drum, Ibou Ndoye shares original stories, in addition to a collection of those passed down from generation to generation in his native Senegal. Told in English or French, Ibou's stories range from the traditional to the innovative, all containing a moral. Ibou's animated character captivates listeners of all ages, who he encourages to take part in the stories through musical and spoken interactions. Call 917-400-1658 for booking.  

Musical offerings 

Jaclyn Pedalino is an experienced musician and offers an array of musical services including piano and flute instruction, and studio recording. Jaclyn has done extensive performance and studio work and has been a member of several music groups of varying genres. Call 917-400-1658 for more information. 

 

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Recent Appearances

Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY

Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia, PA

Cambridge School, Pennington, NJ

Delaware Township School, Sergeantsville, NJ

Summit Public Library, Summit, NJ

Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ

Newark Academy, Livingston, NJ

Pennington School, Pennington, NJ

*contact ibouart@gmail.com for a complete resume of previous clients and references.