Libana

Libana is a unique feminist performing group whose interpretations of ethnic and spiritual woman-themed music from around the globe have been performed at educational institutions, folk/ethnic events, and women's music and cultural festivals across North America.

Libana was formed in 1979 when 25 women came together to explore women's music from different genres. At the time, the women's music scene was flourishing, but the 25 women believed that their approach would be different. They wanted to look cross-culturally at the music of, by, and about women.

The group of 25 has been reduced to eight, though five of the current eight have been performing together for over 15 years. Seven albums have been recorded and released, including one from the feminist Ladyslipper label (Fire Within, 1991) and two, Sojourns (1993) and Borderland (1993), on the world music Shanachie label. In fall 2000, Night Passage was released. Despite the changes, Libana's cross-cultural focus has continued to define their music.