AfroBeat was invented by Femi's father, Fela, when he was living in Los Angeles. Femi got his first big exposure here at the Hollywood Bowl when Fela was arrested and prevented from coming to the US, leaving his son to lead the band on tour. He's back once again for the Hollywood Bowl stage along with Senegalese hiphop crew Daara J on Sunday evening July 24.

As you probably already know, I'm not one for the big venues. I like a more intimate setting where you can see the performers eyes and feel the energy better. So this year, take my advice and try another approach. Take Friday, July 22 off from work. Drive out towards the Grand Canyon on Thursday evening, then head down to Flagstaff Friday afternoon. Femi and Daara J are playing that evening at a 700 seat theater, the smallest on their US tour. You can even get a special suite rate at the Embassy Suites for the concert.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2005-07-w4.html

The Senegalese will be out in force this Sunday to the El Rey. For the first time, famous mbalax star Fallou Dieng will be in Los Angeles. He is bringing Kajaa, who is billed as the best dancer in Africa. Any lover of dance will be mystified by the gymnastic high leaping antics of Senegalese mbalax dancers. Of course, LA's own Aziz Faye will also be there to lay down the beat on his sabar drums. And don't be surprised if you catch him leaping over the other dancers!

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2005-07-w3.html

It's time once again for the summer concert season. This year is more packed than ever with the performances spread over a few more venues than usual. It all starts with Algerian Rai singer Khaled downtown on July 8. Santa Monica Pier features the Malian sounds of Tinariwen and Ramatou Diakite on July 14. The next day we go back downtown for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, this year's Grammy winner for best traditional world album. July 29 joins the mellow and romantic sounds of Cape Verdean music with Maria de Barros and the Angolan acoustic melodies of Waldemar Bastos. Bastos will also play in San Juan Capistrano on July 30. If you return to Grand Performances on Saturday, July 30 you will see Issa Bagayogo accompanying electronica with his ngoni.

http://www.afropulse.com/music/concerts/2005-07-w1.html

At nearly 2 concerts a week, July is packed with entertainment. I'll be on the road for the Arizona show, but trying to catch all the others around LA. Stay tuned for August with Papa Wemba of Congo, Alpha Blondy and Johnny Clegg.

jay