African Music Concerts Week of Nov 9 - Nov 15

"Gift of the Gnawa" is the billing for tonight's show. If anyone in LA can make that claim it would have to be Hassan. His Moroccan Trance music is unparalleled and is a very contemplative and soothing sound for meditation and body rhythm. Like fine wine, some may find the music to be an acquired taste, but best to start with champagne rather than be put off by a cheap imitation!

Their name means "bulletproof" and if you listen to the lyrics you'll pray that they can live up to their name. They are straight up with their words and don't care who feels intimidated by their opinions. They follow the example laid down by Fela for the AfroBeat formula -- challenge authority with a vision, voice and volume that cannot be ignored, all the while maintaining a musical purity and mastery that sets you apart. Settle for nothing less than revolutionary perfection.

The 15-piece band is worth seeing just to hear modern jazz in a polished free style, improvisational approach with the undertones of 60's and 70's funk. Spice it up with a Nigerian attitude carried out by a student of Fela and you are as close to reliving the heyday of AfroBeat as you'll get in today's polished Disney-style clubs.

Also performing Sunday night, same time and place.

Ricardo used to have a regular post at the Conga Room, but Mama Juana's is the new hangout for Cuban and Spanish food, with a heavy dose of Africanized Salsa. Watch for Makina Loca to be a regular attraction at this North Hollywood restaurant.