African Music Concerts Week of Aug 17 - Aug 23

The Valley-bound finally have a summer concert series in their backyard. San Fernando serves a platter of music from south of the border, but included Ricardo this year. His home venue is the The Conga Room so the salsa is the heaviest influence, but there is plenty of Congolese rumba and African beats to his music. Come dance outdoors on a warm summer evening.

Not a common name in the African circles, but definitely a name in smooth jazz, this South African singer / guitarist has been nominated for more than one Grammy. He appears only once or twice a year, but always seems to play at an intimate venue. Over the course of 25 years and 13 albums Jonathan's music has ranged from R&B, soul, smooth jazz, pop, Africano and even gospel. Born into Apartheid, he was able to use music and religion to rise above it.

Make reservations and have a Spanish dinner, followed by a lesson in dancing salsa -- Congolese style. The beat and the guitars will make you dance the Latin moves, but shake your bum in African fashion.

The African Federation presents DJ Mike from Tanzania spinning Bongo Flavor, Soukouss, Rhumba, Ragga, Kwaito, Ndombolo, Zouk, Hip Hop, R & B, Chakacha (Mduara) and all the rest of the dance music that keeps you grooving! The Holiday Inn is located next to the Staples Center downtown.

Every year the African Marketplace comes to Exposition Park for three weeks before Labor day. Come for the music, art, crafts, instruments, story tellers, clothes, food, petting zoo, carnival rides and much, much more! The festival grounds are packed with beautiful people so come on down and meet some new friends.