A lecture demonstration, or "lec dem," is an educational engagement that's part performance, part insider scoop into artists' lives, inspirations, and creative processes. Matchume Zango and Balla Kouyaté delivered two spirited lec dems during their FirstWorks residency this month: One with Narragansett school system's 3rd-6th graders, and another with the entire student body of Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Pawtucket. Despite being just two people, the artists looped a wide array of instruments to create a full sound—from electric bass guitar and congas to traditional instruments from their respective African home countries. These were the balafon and calabash (Balla shared from the Mandé people of Mali) and the timbila and mbira (Matchume shared from the Chopi people of Mozambique). It wasn't long before students were singing and dancing along at both schools! We thank students and artists for sharing this beautiful energetic exchange!   @ballako...