I have been so far behind on updating the concert calendar that I completely forgot to include the headliner at the Conga Room a couple weeks back. Prince Diabaté closed the show, but the main man was Vusi. He is a conscious guitarist from South Africa who sings his mind regardless of the consequences. This attitude got him 30 days in solitary confinement for singing out about Nelson Mandela during apartheid. His show was stunning. It started out shaky with a barroom audience talking over his opening only to be admonished by the singer. He rightfully scolded them for missing Roger Steffens "words about me that people couldn't hear because they were too busy talking about themselves". His pacifist approach won the day when he just stopped and refused to speak or play until the crowd paid attention to him.

Vusi's voice was nearly as pure as Richard Bona's, although a notch lower. The pleasant tones of his guitar and lyrics that were occasionally punctuated by the native clicks of Xhosa were captivating. He finished with an excellent rendition of Chuck Berry antics in a rougher song "to show that I can play rock and roll". This was a great show, and I apologize for not getting the word out. You can see him, however, if you sign up for tickets to the Ladysmith Black Mambazo show coming next Spring at UCLA because he will be sharing the stage. Royce Hall is a venue that can do him justice, something he sorely needs.

http://www.cfpa.ucla.edu/Event.asp?Event_ID=154

Summer is finally here and the free concerts are in full swing!

Santa Monica Pier has a series on Thursday nights which tends more towards rock and American music, but this year you can catch some Jamaican Reggae and Ghanaian roots rock dub.

http://www.twilightdance.org/

Culver City also features Thursday night concerts, but little luck on the African front this year.

http://www.culvercitymusic.org/

The grand daddy of free concert series and the best for African music is Grand Performances at the Watercourt at California Plaza downtown. This year features only two African shows with our own Maria de Barros in July and the long awaited debut of Kékélé in August.

Skirball has some free and some pay concerts. This year you can see Malagasy music and Nubian music.

http://www.skirball.org/calendar/julyaug04/music.shtml

http://www.grandperformances.org/

Probably the most well known African pop musician touring today, Youssou N'Dour makes a return appearance. Last time he was in town was an all acoustic show, but this time he is bringing his electric band Super Étoile de Dakar. This high energy dance fest will be featured at the Henry Fonda Theater in Hollywood. Come out to see him up close in this great venue. Even jump on stage for a little dance improvisation for the audience, I'm certain others will be so bold!

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2004-07-w3.html

The Congolese sound of the 80's has been updated by guitarist Samba Ngo. He listens to music from all over, is influenced by the popular sounds of America as well as Africa, and grinds his own masala of sounds. Come to the intimate environs of the Temple Bar and learn some new guitar work by studying his fingers as they do their magic.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2004-07-w1.html

I'll be spending as much time outdoors as possible, but I'm sure if there is a good concert I will probably see you.

jay