I've gotten a little further with the rewrite of the website and an increase in the amount of concert information provided. There is a long way to go, and a great need of an artist, but I have been able to put in some of the navigation so a quick explanation is in order.

The front page continues to have a picture that links to a specific performance and a select list of current months that link to the first week of that month. I also made the title "calendar" above the months link to a summary of the current year. The summary page provides a quick glance into the future with highlights of each month's events.

Starting this month, I have added extra events such as stage plays, films, museum exhibits, poetry and anything else I think you might be interested in. If there are topics or event types that you want more info about, let me know. These will be accessible from the monthly summary page, as well as a page describing recurring events such as DJ clubs and the like. In addition, I am expanding things a little to include more American events that are African-influenced. If I wander too far astray for your tastes, give a shout.

The concert pages have gone from a simple monthly calendar to a weekly summary sheet. Each concert has a paragraph describing it along with location, time and price. Where possible I have included a map (just click on the address link). To the upper left is a calendar with the displayed week highlighted. If you run your mouse over the calendar, you can pick a different week to display other concerts. Clicking on the month name in the calendar will bring up the monthly summary page, as will a click on the "African Music Concerts" link at the top of the page.

If you have any difficulty navigating, or any suggestions for improvements, please send them.

A rare event is coming on Sept 12 to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts: the talented South African jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim is performing. He might make it to LA once in a year or two. He is one of the grand old classic jazz masters, formerly leading his own "Dollar Brand Trio". He even sat in for Count Basie a few times in the 50s. If you've heard any of the South African jazz, say from the African Jazz Pioneers, you have an idea of how they slant their jazz at a slightly different cant from American jazz -- but that's what makes jazz fresh. His great experience is a wellspring of innovation.

The Cerritos Center has box seats, floor seats and the not so distant theatre seats. They have a great stage and sound system, and a nice crowd. A highly recommended show.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2003-09-w2.html

The African Marketplace is in full force. This is an annual show at Exposition Park with food, crafts, music and all things African. It ends on Labor Day.

Cameroonian bassist Andre Manga used to play occasionally at the New Baked Potato, but since they shut down over a year ago we haven't had a chance to hear his AfroJazz quintet. Fortunately, he has a gig this Saturday in Marina del Rey's Club Narain at the Fisherman's Wharf. Come out for some funky, rocking jazz!

Also on Saturday is the fiery kora master Prince Diabaté from Guinea. He is playing the San Juan Capistrano Multicultural Arts Series at the library. If you live in the southern part of Los Angeles, this is your best bet.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2003-08-w5.html

Coming in September are the last of the outdoor summer shows with Katia Moraes of Brazil in Culver City, Rocky Dawuni at the 7th Annual Doheny Days World Music Festival featuring reggae and Ricardo Lemvo's soukous-salsa at the Natural History Museum near USC. Indoors shows are the Belizean Festival at Hollywood Park Casino, Jerri Jheto and Phil Ranelin on different nights at the Temple Bar.

Movies this month include "Lost Boys of Sudan", "Dirty Pretty Things" and "OT: Our Town". Going out you can listen to poetry on Tuesdays or DJ music on Saturdays either downtown or the Fairfax district. San Diego has an art exhibit of the Baule of Côte d’Ivoire running until 2004.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2003.html

If you like drums, call UCLA and get tickets for the Senegalese master Doudou N'Diaye Rose and 35 of the best West Africans, all family members. If jazz is your thing, check out Michael Brecker and Roy Hargrove. Buy those tickets now for best seats in October.

jay