African Music Concerts Week of Oct 5 - Oct 11

Jazz is one branch of the realization of African music in America. These two giants on the same bill provide a clinic on what defines jazz. Michael Brecker's tenor saxophone has won him eight Grammy's. I wouldn't be surprised if Richard Bona was holding down the bass in the background. Roy Hargrove is just as masterful on his trumpet or flugelhorn.

The reggae master from South Africa is back to swing his locks to the beat. Lucky has one of the most energetic and popular reggae shows since he is one of the reigning kings of reggae on the continent. A couple of years ago he was at House of Blues and it was sold out. This time it is the smaller Key Club, so get your ticket early!

On evenings in the Senegalese dry country, the day is played out to the stories of the drums. There is nothing quite like the open sky and warm land reverberating with the beat as the day fades. We will try the best we can by listening to these master drummers in our own environment. The sound will be there -- it is up to you to imagine the setting. Doudou N'Diaye Rose, one of the best drummers in the world, will lead the ensemble consisting of 35 highly talented drummers, all of which happen to be members of his family!

LA has a quite a few excellent electric bass players, but not too many of the female persuasion. Me'Shell would have to be one of the best American female bass players. Since LA is no longer her home, we have to make do with the occasional concerts that she plays here. Soulive brings a very funky, jazzy sound complete with Hammond B-3. All in all a great groove night.

One of the most unique groups of the year will be showing off their mixture of sounds in the beautiful Cerritos Center. Hailing from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, they bring the funky musical soup called mbaqanga in South Africa. Their brand is a blend of gospel-tinged, jazz-influenced, choral dance music. This is yet another in the style of the Buena Vista Social Club -- stars from the 1950's back together again and on top of their game with big successes in Europe.

They finally arrive for a world tour, their voices and legs devoted to swing, and only to swing. The impeccable suits..., the shoes sparkling, the undulating bodies, the Cool Crooners are singing a Zimbabwean jazz that suspends time. We are in Africa, or maybe Harlem, in 1950, or maybe 2000. The story of the Cool Crooners is a fire which inflames hearts and purifies souls.

Leimert Park plays host to this annual celebration of the life and music of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This year the theme is "AIDS is killing Africans". It took Fela's life so it seems fitting that the event be used to raise awareness, encourages everyone to get checked because knowledge is power, and to celebrate the messages and beliefs of Fela. Musical entertainment is provided by Najite & the Ogun Prophecy, AfroBeat Down and Queen Ahneva Ahneva. Also, African Soul Food by Bistro 40/40.