Welcome to the Bellingham Community Marimba Project!

Our mission is to foster community through the shared experiences of learning and playing the beautiful music of Zimbabwe, both traditional and contemporary.

Registration Form

UPCOMING EVENTS

ZIMBABWEAN MUSIC HAPPENINGS IN THE WHATCOM COUNTY AREA:

WWU ZimMarimba: The Debut

Wednesday, March 4

with support from BCMP student bands

7-9pm (doors at 6)

Live at the Blue Room

Founded in Fall 2025, this band is made up of mostly music majors from many music dept. areas who love to cut loose from their everyday routine of studying primarily Western classical music. Every week, we come together to play this high-energy marimba music in the style of Dumisani Maraire and the Kwanongoma College of Music in Zimbabwe. Don’t miss the one time-chance to see the debut of this band!

Tickets:
Event Page:

BCMP Presents: An Educational Evening of Zimbabwean Music

Friday, March 6

feat. BCMP mbira students and friends

6-8pm

Old City Hall Rotunda Room (121 Prospect St.)

Held during the Whatcom Museum’s “Free First Friday” event, BCMP director Caden Davis will be giving a presentational performance, where we’ll explore the history and music of Zimbabwe and its travels to the United States. Performances will feature mbira students as well as friends of the BCMP.

Learn more

Friday, March 13

Marimba Cafe: Bellingham

A fundraiser in support of Humwe and the Matahno Project

6:30-9pm

Lost Giants Cider Co. Warehouse

(Suggested Donation: $25)

*Limited amount of chairs (first come first serve)

UNLIMITED dance floor space!!

Come celebrate Zimbabwean music in the PNW with an eclectic evening of music: BCMP student bands will kick off the evening, followed by a special guest marimba band from south Whidbey Island: Rubtano. The evening will conclude with the debut performance of Dandemutande: a fusion band taking inspiration from the sounds of Thomas Mapfumo and Chiwoniso Maraire, while also embedding their own creative voices.

This event is in support of two wonderful non-profits doing amazing work in Zimbabwe to help provide cultural and music education to youth (Humwe) as well as resources and support for young women looking to start local businesses (Matanho Project).

Event Linktree

Saturday, May 16

Pamwe Marimba!

Time TBD

Live at the Blue Room

-About the Bellingham Community Marimba Project-

-About the Bellingham Community Marimba Project-

The Bellingham Community Marimba Project (BCMP) is a newly-founded studio, aiming to promote, share, and advocate for Zimbabwean marimba music. Founded by director Caden Davis in 2024, the studio is currently in its second year.

Marimba music is for everyone! Whether you have never touched an instrument in your life, or you have a degree in music, or anything in between, this music is for you! It is extremely high energy, driven by rhythm, but can be simple to approach at a beginner level! Many begin playing this music in elementary music programs, but the ceiling is very high. While traditional Zimbabwean music is extremely complex and has so much depth to it, the marimba band was designed to cater to people with all levels of experience. This unique setting makes space for successful musical collaboration which fosters community. If you think this music sounds fun, that’s because it is; we encourage you to give it a go and sign up for our next session!

The BCMP is thrilled to partner with local music studio Joy of Music, who is graciously hosting our classes. Classes have been offered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings (subject to change for the upcoming session)!