African Music Concerts Week of Jul 24 - Jul 31

Come out to see the Pulitzer nominated play about Black-on-Black discrimination in the Gullah-Geechee culture of South Carolina's Sea Islands. The play investigates the racism that favors lighter skinned individuals over their more African looking neighbors. Love, alcohol, generational chasms and other complexities of everyday life are intricately wound into a heart-wrenching story. Highly recommended. This show began in February and has been doing so well that it is in its final extension through August 28!

The torch bearer of his father's invention, Femi belts out the Afrobeat like noone else. He is joined by the Senegalese hiphop crew Daara J, which is a show worth seeing on its own. Together you get a night under the stars to remember. Tickets are selling out, but to get an up close view consider going to Flagstaff to see him Friday, July 22.

The Portuguese were the world's greatest sailors and the first outside influence on Africa coming from Europe by boat. Their language is part of the artifacts left behind. Maria de Barros is from Cape Verde and sings the morna and quite a few other dance styles. Very sexy, very romantic. What better partner to share the stage than Waldemar Bastos of Angola. What can I say of his music -- very sexy, very romantic. Mournful, soulful and acoustic. Perfect for an outdoor concert.

Issa has been to Los Angeles a couple times now, first as a newly introduced musician, then as a more recognized musician. Now he is the acclaimed new Malian star with his CD last year on some best of the year picks. He plays the ngoni and has hooked up with electronica to produce a traditional Malian mix of house music.

Angolan music is hard to find, but we are in for two doses of it this year. Waldemar will play in San Juan and at the California Plaza the same week. Take your pick.