AfroPulse Concert Newsletter for February

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Feb 6 2002       AfroPulse Concert News      Volume 2 Issue 1
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Contents:
   Internet Problems
   February Concerts
   Grammy Nominees
   
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Internet Problems

2002 has started off with a bit of a problem on our end.  For
those of you who have been trying to get through to our website,
you'll have to have a little patience.  We have been having some
difficulties and are switching to a new service at the beginning
of February.  We just came back online today, and hopefully have
solved all the problems, although we still have one more issue
to resolve.  If you try to visit the site and can't get through,
try again later.  We're still around!

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February Concerts

This year we are having a fortuitous February.  Typically, there
is little to be had during the winter, but now there are several
African shows in store.  The month kicks off with Baaba Maal at
UCLA's Royce Hall.  This is the acoustic tour that is making its
way cross-country promoting the new CD "Missing You" featuring
Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck. Next up is a return of Afro-Musika
playing this time at the Crystal Park Hotel and Casino in Compton.
The group is led by Shimita El Diego with Nene Tchakou on guitar
doing that old 80's soukous thing.  In addition, Majek Fashek is
playing for one night in Santa Monica.  Then comes the return
engagement of the cancelled Desert Rose Show that was to take
place at the Greek Theater.  Cheb Khaled, the King of Raï music
from Algeria, will be joined by Hakim of Egypt in a special two-
night performance at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
The Orpheum is one of the 1920's movie theaters that used to be
the spectacle of LA's main theater district on Broadway Street.
Khaled hasn't been here for about three years, so come check it
out.  The month ends with another two-nighter, this time at Temple
Bar with Antibalas and their authentic political AfroBeat.

Soccer lovers can watch the final of the African championships
on Pay-Per-View at the Hollywood Park Casino. The final will be
broadcast live from Mali, however, due to the time difference it
will be showing at 8:00AM!

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/feb2002inx.html

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Grammy Nominees

As usual, the Grammy's offered slim pickings for the Africans.
This year the sole nominee is Cesaria Evora for "São Vicente"
on Windham Hill records. She is the voice of Cape Verde; she
has caused the global recognition of their sound.  A well-
deserved recognition, but it is time for the Grammy's to give
more notice to the roots of all American music.  The African
continent supports more styles than the US and should get its
own category in the nominations.

http://www.grammy.com/

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In March there are more big names coming to town. This year
could turn out to be another strong one for African music.
Watch for some jazz and world fusion and stay tuned to AfroPulse
for more details.

jay