African, Afro-Cuban, Latin, Indian, Middle Eastern, & world beat concerts and shows in Seattle
Seattle has a vibrant world music scene and hosts many African bands and other world music events. If you want to submit an event for listing on this page, please use this form.
Details on each event are listed below.
Current
- Nora Chipaumire's Chimurenga, February 15-16
- Kane Mathis and Sahel, February 16
- Angelique Kidjo, February 21
Ongoing
Upcoming
- Balkan Beat Box, March 2
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo, March 12
- Amazones, May 12-17
Details on each event are listed below.
If you'd like an event listed on this page, please use this form to send me your information.
Sunday evenings
8-10 pm
FREE (donations welcome)
Upcoming shows at Hidmo are listed on a separate page.
artist
day, date, 2008
time
$$
venue
address
Tickets available at:
For additional info contact:
desc
Kane Mathis and Sahel
Saturday, February 16, 2008
(not sure of time, probably around 8:00)
Solstice Cafe
4116 University Way NE
Featuring Kane Mathis on kora, vocals, and guitar; Rusty Knorr on drums; Nina Vucmanic on bass; and Sam Weng on percussion.
Kane has has been making trips to The Gambia, west Africa to study kora for the past 11 years.
He has performed on Gambian national radio and television and has performed in concert for the Gambian President.
Banning Eyre, Senior Editor for Afropop Worldwide, says, "Kane Mathis has developed a remarkable mastery of
Mande music. . . It is not only that Mathis is comfortable and well-versed in the Mande repertoire;
it's that when he plays, he swings in exactly the right way, probably the
hardest thing for an outsider to grasp in this rich, West African tradition."
Angelique Kidjo
Thursday, February 21, 2008
8:00 pm
$30 in advance / $35 day of show
Moore Theater
1932 2nd Ave
Tickets available at:
Moore Theater
For additional info contact:
206-467-5510
Beninese chanteuse now living in Paris combines Afro-funk, reggae, samba, salsa, gospel, jazz, Zairean rumba, zouk, and makossa.
Balkan Beat Box
Sunday, March 2, 2008
8:00 pm
$$
Chop Suey
1325 E Madison St
Wikipedia says, "Balkan Beat Box establish their own unique sound by fusing the musical styles of Jewish, Mediterranean and Balkan traditions as well as the cultural influences of their home turf of New York City with some tints of electronica."
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
8:00 pm
$35 in advance / $40 day of show
Moore Theater
1932 2nd Ave
Tickets available at:
Moore Theater
For additional info contact:
206-467-5510
Grammy Award winning, South African a cappella singing group. I still bet goosebumps when I recall their performance at S.O.B.s in New York during their Graceland tour with Paul Simon.
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
Saturday, February 23, 2008
8:00 pm
Moore Theater
1932 2nd Ave
Tickets available at:
Moore Theater
For additional info contact:
206-467-5510
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars tour the world spreading their message of peace and love. With a spirited and infectious fusion of traditional West African music, roots reggae and rhythmic traditional folk, Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars craft music that transforms and uplifts.
Amazones – Women Master Drummers of Guinea
May 12-17, 2008
Bagley Wright Theatre
Seattle Center
Schools and groups can reserve tickets now. Public tickets go on sale April 1, 2008.
Electrifying group of women drummers from Guinea, West Africa, performing at the Seattle International Children's Festival. From the Seattle International Children's Festival web site: This ensemble isn’t named after women warriors of Greek mythology, but rather the African warriors of historical fact. In the 17th Century, the fierce and mighty kingdom of Dohomey (now Benin) was a wealthy West African empire. Its powerful army, considered invincible, numbered 25,000 warriors. 5,000 were women, who were the most respected and feared. They ranked above men. Centuries later this astonishing group of the Daughters of the Daughters of the Daughters of Dohomey, stand respected at the top of another traditionally male domain – master drummers.
Past Events
Hugh Masekela's Chissa All Stars
Sunday, February 10, 2008
7:30 & 9:30 pm
$28.50
jazz Alley
2033 6th Ave
Tickets available at:
http://www.jazzalley.com/reservations_1.asp?showid=561
For additional info contact:
Jazz Alley, 206-441-9729
Before there was world music, there was Hugh Masekela. South African trumpeter/vocalist Hugh Masekela was already an established international artist when he scored an American Top 40 hit, the joyous 'Grazing In The Grass', in 1968. A professional since his teens, he had been a member of The Jazz Epistles (which included Abdullah Ibrahim) in his native country before escaping the brutal hand of apartheid in 1961. With the help of Dizzy Gillespie and Harry Belafonte, he and his wife, singer Miriam Makeba, secured a new start in the USA. Before 'Grazing...', Masekela had won stateside notice with his blazing solo on The Byrds's indelible hit 'So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star'.
Sweet Honey in the Rock
Saturday, February 9, 2008
8:00
Paramount
Tickets available at:
Ticketmaster
All-woman, African-American a cappella ensemble.
I saw this one. A great show, even though they had to get up early the next morning to go to the Grammy Awards. The
Gansango Music & Dance
Seattle Folklore Society - Traditional & Ethnic Music Concert Series
Friday February 1, 2008
7:30 pm
$??
South Seattle Community College - Olympic Hall auditorium
Tickets available at the door
but call in your reservation to: 206-528-8523
For additional info contact:
Siri Wood, 206-417-4679, e-mail
Featuring Seattle's own Etienne Cakpo and Charles Ahovissi, also from Benin and also a great dancer and musician.
Toumani Diabaté
Thursday, January 24, 2008
7:00 and 9:30
$25 advance/$30 day of show
Triple Door
216 Union St
Tickets available at: Triple Door web site
More than any other artist, Toumani Diabaté is responsible for introducing the kora—a 21-string harp unique to West Africa—to audiences around the world. But aside from being a player of exceptional virtuosity and creativity, Diabaté plays a vital role as bandleader, teacher, musical conservationist and composer in the capital city of Bamako, Mali, where he was born and has lived all his life.
Thomas Mapfumo
Sunday, January 13, 2008
7:30 pm
$18 adv/ $20 day of
Triple Door
216 Union St
Tickets available at:
Triple Door
Thomas Mapfumo made revolutionary changes in Zimbabwe's pop-music scene by recording a song for which he'd written his own music. Before Mapfumo, songs in the traditional style were always based on tunes that had been handed down for generations. He is responsible for blending traditional Shona mbira music with western instruments and a political message full of innuendo and traditional proverbs. He established the musical style, chimurenga (the Shona word for struggle). Mapfumo's music became popular during the civil war against White minority rule, but his popularity made the government unhappy. In 1977 he was sent to a prison camp for subversion. To obtain his release, Mapfumo agreed to perform for the ruling party, but at the concert he sang only his most revolutionary songs. "I told them that since I'd been in detention, I didn't have time to write new ones."
Les Nubians
Sunday, December 30, 2007
7:00 pm (all ages) & 9:30 pm (21+)
$28 adv/ $32 day of
Triple Door
216 Union St
Tickets available at:
Triple Door
"Afropean hip hop/R&B duo." Lisa Storey opens.
Expressions of African Dance
Friday, December 14, 2007
7:00 pm
$12 adults / $8 seniors & students
Kane Hall (Room 130)
University of Washington
Tickets available at:
Brown Paper Tickets
For additional info contact:
Spectrum Dance at 206-325-4161
Featuring Sukutai Music and Dance Company, The Ethiopian Dance Group, Students from Denny Middle School, and the Seattle Girls School. Presented by Spectrum Dance Theater & Seattle Theatre Group. Directed by Lora Lue Chiorah from Zimbabwe.
Ibrahima Camara & Safal
Friday, December 7, 2007
9:15 pm
$10
Waid's
1212 E Jefferson St
206-328-6493
Tickets available at:
the door
African rhythm roots band with Afro-pop, High-Life, Latin, and reggae influences.
Festival of Lies
(dance show by Faustin Linyekula and Les Studios Kabako)
Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2007
8 pm
$24
On The Boards
100 West Roy Street
Tickets available at:
On the Boards
Celebrated Congolese choreographer Faustin Linyekula turns On the Boards into a social club and soukous party for this dance theater spectacle. As people eat, drink and listen to a live pop band, Linyekula’s 5-member company layer the festive environment with dance, political speeches and personal stories to reveal the corruption and conflict found in their war-torn country. Premiere Congolese soukous musician (and Tacoma resident) Wawali Bonane will provide the live music for the show.
Doors open at 7pm. Bring extra cash to purchase food before or during the show from Jacques Sarr (former owner of the Belltown hotspot Afrikando).
He is offering a master dance class Saturday afternoon, Dec. 1. See the Seattle African Dance Class page for details.
Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke
Friday, November 30, 2007
9:00 pm-midnight
Free - donations welcome
Hidmo
2000 S. Jackson
For additional info contact:
206-290-5560
High-energy drum (djembe/dunun) ensemble led by Thione Diop, a master
drummer from Senegal.
Soyaya (Mohammed Shaibu)
Saturday, November 24, 2008
8:00 pm - midnight
Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant
1809 Minor Ave
This band is developing one of the coolest sounds on the local Afro-pop scene. Three hot percussionists (Saaed Abbas, Etienne Cakpo, and Thierno Diop) back Mohammed's guiter and vocals.
Winds of Change
Odunde Festival 07’
Sunday, November 18, 2007
3:00
$15
Youngstown Cultural Center
4408 Delridge Way SW
Tickets available at:
Planet Afua
Planet Afua's annual Thanksgiving show.
Other Odunde Festival events on the Dance Classes and Drum Classes pages.
Ozomatli
Saturday, November 17, 2007
8 pm
$20.00 ADV / $22.00 DOS
Showbox
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/122955?brand=theshowbox
Multiethnic nine-piece band from LA known for blending a wide variety of music styles (Latin, hip hop, rock, salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, etc.) with political activism.
Albino
Friday, November 16, 2007
9:00
$8
Nectar
412 N 36th St.
Fremont/Seattle 98103
Tickets available at the door
For additional info contact:
Nectar Lounge, 206-632-2020, web site
I saw these guys at Burning Man, and they totally rocked. Highly recommended. From the Nectar web site: Winner of the SF Music Award for "Best World Music", ALBINO! has performed to capacity crowds up and down the West Coast and as far east as Chicago. ALBINO!'s brand of afrobeat reminds music lovers of what it feels like to groove, and without fail, inspires audiences to let go and absorb the ecstatic energy that pours from the stage whenever this funk-fueled juggernaut performs.
DJ Jon Kertzer, host of KEXP's "Best Ambiance," will also spin some world music.
Tinariwen & Vieux Farka Touré
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
8 pm
$28 general / $26 discount
Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Ave (at Seneca)
Seattle WA 98101
Tickets available at:
http://acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaID=142193
Seattle's African show of the year. The Tuareg rebel band, Tinariwen, lately a huge hit in Europe (and Rolling Stones opener), rides in with riffing, electrified Saharan fervor that resounds with the roots of American blues. Also unearthing blues roots with his high-powered band is Malian singer/guitarist Vieux Farka Touré, son of guitar legend Ali.
Earshot Jazz Festival
Musafir
Saturday, October 27 , 2007
8 pm
Advance $22 ($19 discount), door $25 ($22 discount)
Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Ave (at Seneca)
Seattle WA 98101
Tickets available at:
BrownPaperTickets.com
Musafir (Hindi and Urdu for "traveler") plays the music of the Rajasthan desert of North India, the "gypsy homeland" of the Roma. They create a transcendent blend of music, dance, and performance art.
Earshot Jazz Festival
Oliver Mtukudzi
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
7pm & 9:30pm
$25 advance / $28 day of
Triple Door
216 Union St
Tickets available at:
TripleDoor.net
With his driving ensemble, Zimbabwe's great cultural export, "Tuku" Mtukudzi, blends traditional Korekore drumming with mbira and jit styles to create an inimitable form respectfully dubbed "Tuku music."
Earshot Jazz Festival
Dee Dee Bridgeater's Red Earth (with ten of Mali's most exciting musicians)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
7pm & 9:30pm
$35 general/$33 discount
Triple Door
216 Union St
Tickets available at:
TripleDoor.net
The Grammy and Tony Award winning jazz vocalist brings ten of Mali's most exciting musicians to Seattle to present the music of her stunning album, Red Earth, A Malian Journey.
Earshot Jazz Festival
Guinea Fundraiser with
master drummer Karim Koumbassa
Saturday, October 20, 2007
5:00-6:00 pm (doors at 4:30)
$ donate what you can - please be generous - this is a great cause
New Discovery School
1260 Harrison St.
For additional info contact:
Marissa Baratian
All proceeds from this event will go to sending children in Enco-5 in Conakry, Guinea, to school. Most children there cannot afford to go to school and never would be able to. All it costs to send a child to school for a year plus provide them with supplies and school uniforms is $100. Some of the children who do go to school attend a school of very poor quality. $50 would get them into a better quality school and provide them with supplies and uniforms.
Gansango's "La Calabasse"
Friday October 5 at 7:00 pm
Saturday October 6 at 2:00 pm
$12
Seattle Art Museum auditorium
Tickets available at:
SAM
For additional info contact:
206-654-3121
Contemporary and traditional African dance.
King Kester Emeneya
Sunday, September 30, 2007
web site says 10:30 pm-2 am
reported as 9:00 pm-1 am on Music of Africa radio show
$25
Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #1
6205 Corson Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98108
Tickets available at the door
For additional info contact:
Hussein Kalonji, 206-351-4769 or Mbuta Bass, 206-354-7169
Venerable Congolese musician. The father of the modern Congolese sound.
Sorry for the late notice on this show. I just heard about it on Doug Paterson's KBCS radio show Thursday night.
Dobet Gnahore
Monday, September 24, 2007
7:30 pm
$20.50
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Tickets available at:
http://jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=487
For additional info contact:
206-441-9729
The minute Dobet Gnahoré (pronounced DOH-bay gna-OR-ay) steps onto the stage, it is obvious she is something special. She exudes an inner strength and commanding presence that draws you in, even before she opens her mouth to sing. Once Dobet sings, her voice is filled with emotion and range. She moves from heartfelt ballads to funky, danceable songs with ease, and is comfortable performing in a wide range of African styles. Eventually, Dobet begins to dance, and the true depth of her talent shines through. . .
Pangeo
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, September 21-23, 2007
Free
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
(Montlake)
2100 Boyer Avenue East
Seattle, Washington 98112
Pangeo plays all weekend as part of St. Demetrios Greek Festival. Pangéo is a five-member group based in Seattle drawn together by a passion for Greek and Balkan folk music. With a taste for old-style dance music they are equally at home playing ballads from the mountains of Epiros in Greece, or lively tunes from the Bulgarian border area. The instrumentation includes clarinet, accordion, guitar, percussion, voices and bouzouki—for a sound that transports you to another world.
Angelique Kidjo
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Key Arena
Seattle
African diva supporting Josh Groban on his tour.
Children of the Revolution
Saturday, August 18, 2007
8pm
$26 adult, $10 youth
Kirkland Performance Center
350 Kirkland Ave
Kirkland WA 98033
Tickets available at:
www.kpcenter.org or call: 425-893-9900
Made up of virtuoso musicians, singers and dancers from around the world, Children of the Revolution blend their Flamenco, Greek, and Rock roots, creating a lush and melodic sound driven by infectious Latin and Middle-Eastern grooves. Come watch one of the most unifying and entertaining shows.
Andy Palacio and The Garifuna Collective
Monday, August 13, 2007
$22.50
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Tickets available at:
Jazz Alley
For additional info contact:
206-443-8247,
jazzalley@jazzalley.com, http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=475
The soul of Africa, the spirit of the Caribbean and the heartbeat of Central America resonate in this powerful music, a tribute to the unique and threatened Garifuna culture. The Garifuna Collective, joining Andy Palacio, is an all-star, multigenerational lineup of musicians from the African-Amerindian Garifuna communities of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Filled with enchanting rhythms, powerful melodies and a deep soulfulness that recalls Cape Verdean or Afro-Peruvian music, their recent release Wátina (Cumbancha 2/2007) serves as a stunning introduction to the music of this unique and inspiring culture.
Widely regarded as the most popular musician in Belize, Andy Palacio is also recognized as an important archivist of and advocate for Garifuna traditions, a true cultural preservationist. Having done much to revive the unique blend of West African and indigenous Caribbean heritage, Palacio creates music that is living history - a history that is infectious, nuanced, and endlessly danceable.
Ozomatli
Thursday, August 9, 2007
5:45 pm
$26
Marymoor Amphitheater
Corner of Hearst & Gayley Roads
Redmond, WA 98052
Tickets available at:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/123155
For additional info contact:
http://www.ozomatli.com/site.php?em1995=127783_-1__0_~0_-1_7_2007_0_0&content=Upcoming_Tour_Dates
Multiethnic nine-piece band from LA known for blending a wide variety of music styles (Latin, hip hop, rock, salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, etc.) with political activism. With G Love and Special Sauce and Slightly Stoopid.
Lionel Loueke Trio
Tuesday and Wednesday, August 7 and 8, 2007
7:30 pm
$21.50
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Tickets available at:
Jazz Alley
For additional info contact:
206-443-8247,
jazzalley@jazzalley.com, http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=471
West African guitarist, born in Benin and educated in Ivory Coast, Paris, Boston, and LA. He has performed and recorded with many well-known musicians, including Angelique Kidjok and Herbie Hancock. http://www.lionelloueke.com/
Hugh Masekela
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
7:00 pm (all ages) & 9:30 pm (21+)
$35 adv/ $38 day of
Triple Door
216 Union St
Tickets available at:
http://www.tripledoor.com/event.aspx?eid=2471&venue=mainstage
World music pioneer whose musical career began in the 1950's. I saw him at Radio City Music Hall in New York with Paul Simon's "Graceland" show back in the late 1980's with Miriam Makeba and Ladysmith Black Mambazo - still the best world music show I've ever seen. Here's a bit more from the Triple Door web site: Before there was world music, there was Hugh Masekela. South African trumpeter/vocalist Hugh Masekela was already an established international artist when he scored an American Top 40 hit, the joyous 'Grazing In The Grass', in 1968. A professional since his teens, he had been a member of The Jazz Epistles (which included Abdullah Ibrahim) in his native country before escaping the brutal hand of apartheid in 1961. With the help of Dizzy Gillespie and Harry Belafonte, he and his wife, singer Miriam Makeba, secured a new start in the USA. Before 'Grazing...', Masekela had won stateside notice with his blazing solo on The Byrds's indelible hit 'So You Want To Be A Rock And Roll Star'.
Femi Kuti
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
8:00 pm
$25 advance/$28 day of show
Showbox
1426 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Tickets available at:
Ticketmaster
"Femi Kuti is the oldest son of the late Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti. Fela pioneered the sprawling big band sound called afrobeat. His 45-minute musical tirades against Nigeria's power elite lead to violent confrontations, and in 1984, the government jailed him on a trumped up currency charge. Femi, who had quit school to play alto sax in his father's band back in 1978, stepped up to lead the band for the next two years. In 1986, Fela returned and Femi split off to form his own group, Positive Force. Continuing in the afrobeat tradition, Femi built around a solid, six-piece horn section and two strong percussionists. With guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and four singer/dancers, his band numbered 17. Like Fela, Femi sang about power politics, but with a lighter touch, and in briefer form." [from Afropop.com]
Toubab Krewe
Friday, July 13, 2007
10:00 pm
$8
High Dive
513 N 36th St
Seattle, WA 98103
in Fremont
Info:
206-632-0212
Blending Malian, American, and "Dirty South" influences into a genre all its own, Toubab Krewe "has set a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music," says Banning Eyre at Afropop Worldwide. Members of the group developed their unique sound over the course of numerous extended trips to West Africa, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and studied and performed with masters such as Lamine Soumano, Vieux Kante, Madou Dembele, and Koungbanan Conde. The magnetic instrumental quintet formed in early 2005 and has attracted a diverse and devoted national following, captivating crowds everywhere from the Bonnaroo Music Festival and the Blue Note to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The band's energetic performances and acclaimed self-titled debut have won them praise from the New York Times, Global Rhythm, Afropop Worldwide, and more.
Los Amigos Invisibles
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
doors @ 8:00
$15
Neumo's
For additional info contact:
http://www.neumos.com/071107.html
Percussion-heavy Latin dance band from Venezuela. A Benefit for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, with DJ Darek Mazzone.
Seu Jorge - cancelled
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Showbox
Wikipedia says, "His fans consider him a renewer of Brazilian samba-style pop. He credits his influences as the samba school Estação Primeira de Mangueira, composers Nelson Cavaquinho and Zeca Pagodinho, along with footballer Romário and American soul singer Stevie Wonder."
Antibalas
Thursday, June 22
Neumo's
New York's Brooklyn-based afro-pop big band.
Refugee All-Stars of Sierra Leone
Tuesday, June 19
7:00 pm (all ages); 9:30 (21+)
$20 advance/$22 day of show
Triple Door
More info: http://www.tripledoor.com/event.aspx?eid=2279&venue=mainstage
ALSO: They will also do a free lunchtime show at City Hall, Tues., June 19, noon - 1 p.m.
An amazing group of refugees from Sierra Leone who formed their band during their time in a refugee camp in Guinea. A truly inspirational group.
Kusun Ensemble
Monday, June 18
Tractor Tavern
KUSUN ENSEMBLE is an extraordinary group of musicians and dancers based in Ghana, West Africa. Founded by Nii Tettey Tetteh, the group includes past members of The National Ballet and The Pan African Orchestra. Although rooted in traditional music, the ensemble has developed a new brand of music and dance they have dubbed "Nokoko." They have created innovative rhythms and dances by fusing bass and lead guitar, electrifying jazz and African rhythms, and traditional Ghanaian instruments.
Richard Bona
Tuesday & Wednesday, May 29-30, 2007
7:30 pm
$22.50
Jazz Alley
Seattle
Tickets available at:
Jazz Alley
For additional info contact:
http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=447
Bassist and singer, originally from Cameroon.
Northwest Folklife
Friday-Monday, May 25-28, 2007
FREE (but be sure to drop a few bucks in the contribution box at the entrance each day)
Seattle Center
As usual there is enough world beat stuff happening at Folklife to warrant a separate page: world beat performances and workshops at Folklife 2007.
Gipsy Kings
Saturday, May 19, 2007
8:00 pm
$44.50 - $97
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Tickets available online at Ticketmaster and at the Paramount box office Monday through Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm
For additional info contact: 206-467-5510
The Gipsy Kings are largely responsible for bringing the joyful sounds of progressive pop-oriented flamenco, called Sevillana in Spain, to the world. The band started out in Arles, a village in southern France during the '70s when brothers Nicolas and Andre Reyes, the sons of renowned flamenco artist Jose Reyes, teamed up with their cousins Jacques, Maurice and Tonino Baliardo, whose father is Manitas de Plata. They originally called themselves Los Reyes and started out as a Gipsy band traveling about playing weddings, festivals, and in the streets. Because they lived so much like gypsies, the band adopted the name the Gipsy Kings. Later, they were hired to add color to posh parties in St. Tropez. Popularity did not come to Los Reyes right away and their first two albums attracted little notice. At this point the Gipsies played traditional, albeit passionate flamenco music punctuated by Tonino's precise guitar playing and Nicolas' exceptional voice. Though they had devoted fans, they still had yet to gain wider recognition until 1986 when they hooked up with visionary producer Claude Martinez who could see that the Kings had the makings of a world-class band.
Poncho Sanchez
Thursday, March 29-Sunday, April 1, 2007
7:30 & 9:30 Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 only Sun.
$26.50
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Tickets available at:
Jazz Alley
For additional info contact:
206.443.8247,
jazzalley@jazzalley.com
Legendary Cuban conguero and his band.
Jigu!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
2pm & 8pm
$34 [$20 Ages 5-17]
Hailing from the Shanxi Province in China, this world-renown company of 28 drummers, percussionists
and musicians makes their United Sates debut in 2007. The fine art of drumming and percussive
performance is indicative of the rich and historic culture of the Shanxi Province, and performances by
Jigu! Thunder Drums of China are deeply rooted in these folk origins. An exciting and intricate blend
of traditional and modern musical elements offers intense high-tech lighting and special effects adding
to the drama of this spectacular and awe-inspiring cultural event. Not only are audiences immersed
in a wonderland of sight and sound, they are swept away by the incredible power found in the intense
drumming, percussive styling and astounding musicianship displayed by these awesome performers!
Soweto Gospel Choir
Sunday, April 1, 2007
3:00 pm
$27.50 - $37.50
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Also at The Pantages Theater in Tacoma, Monday,
April 2, 2007 at 7:30pm.
Tickets available online at Ticketmaster and at the Paramount box office Monday through Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm
For additional info contact: 206-467-5510
Direct from South Africa, the Soweto Gospel Choir showcase their celebrated voices at The Paramount Theatre in Seattle. This awe-inspiring vocal ensemble performs an inspirational program (in eight different languages) of tribal, traditional, and popular African gospel. Earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, a capella, and charismatic performances combine to uplift the soul and express South Africa’s great hopes for the future. This is a seamless show brimming with multi-lingual performances which, for all the technical precision, are universally expressive and unfettered, charged by the choir in constant motion. Athletic dance moves and solo vocal skills are just part of a showcase that highlights a vibrant range of voices.
As well as traditional African gospel, the program features traditional dancers and drummers, and a dynamic four-piece band.
Maya Soleil Afro-World Fusion
Monday, April 2, 2007
1-3 pm
University of Washington, Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA
University of Washington, Bothell Campus Spring Quarter Welcome Event.
Featuring vocalist, dancer and mbira player Lora Chiorah-Dye (Zimbabwe), African percussionist and kora player Karim Koumbassa (Guinea), sax/flute player Bob Antolin (USA), keyboardist Rob Pastorok (USA), bassist Lennox Holness (Jamaica), and drummer TJ Morris (USA). www.mayasoleil.com
Monday, April 9, 2007
7:30
Benaroya Hall
Anoushka Shankar, daughter of sitar master Ravi Shankar, and half-sister of Norah Jones, carves out her own sound on her tour Rise. On Rise, Shankar moves beyond the classical tradition of her father, mixing up a broad range of world music styles and instruments - flamenco piano, Indian slide guitar, electronic sounds, and, of course, the sitar. The result is a sensual, ethereal sound. Seize your chance to hear this rising star.
Reggie Wilson / Fist and Heel Performance Group
The Tale: Npinpee Nckutchie & the Tail of the Golden Dek
Thursday-Saturday, April 12-14, 2007
8:00 pm
$24 General / student and group discount available
On the Boards
100 West Roy Street
Seattle, WA 98119
Tickets available at:
tickets.com
For additional info contact:
On the Boards
African tradition meets postmodernism via the Black Bottom and Electric Slide in a new group work by choreographer Reggie Wilson. The Tale: Npinpee Nckutchie & the Tail of the Golden Dek combines ritual and music from African traditions with contemporary urban social dances performed by a company of 4 dancers and 4 singers from the US, Africa and the Caribbean. Wilson riffs on the traditions of the blues, slave and spiritual cultures of Africans in the Americas, and is also informed by travel to Mississippi Delta, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali and Chad.
Related Talk (before the opening night performance)
Thu, Apr 12, 6:45pm in OtB's Studio Theater
"Transculturation in the African Dance Diaspora"
Juliet McMains, Assistant Professor, Dance Department, University of Washington
*free and open to the public
co-sponsored by UW's Simpson Center for the Humanities
Master Class
Sat, Apr 14, 11:30-1:30 @ Velocity Dance Center
$12 ($7 with ticket stub)
*More information coming soon! Check ontheboards.org to get the latest updates on the Reggie Master Class.
To register, please contact Sean Ryan at 206.217.9886 x1021 or email sean@ontheboards.org
Friday-Sunday, April 13-15, 2007
FREE
Seattle Center
For additional info contact:
SWPS
Seattle's annual celebration of rhythm culture. Free performances and workshops all weekend and vendors from around the country.
Konono No. 1
Friday, April 27, 2007
8:00
$27/30
Triple Door
216 Union St
Tickets available at:
http://www.thetripledoor.net/event.aspx?eid=2066&venue=mainstage
For additional info contact:
On the Boards
KONONO No. 1 was founded over 25 years ago by Mingiedi, a virtuoso of the likembé (a traditional instrument sometimes called "sanza" or "thumb piano", consisting of metal rods attached to a resonator). The band's line-up includes three electric likembés (bass, medium and treble), equipped with hand-made microphones built from magnets salvaged from old car parts, and plugged into amplifiers. There's also a rhythm section which uses traditional as well as makeshift percussion (pans, pots and car parts), three singers, three dancers and a sound system featuring these famous megaphones.
Aurelio Martinez
Saturday, April 28, 2007
8pm
$30
One of the most extraordinary Garifuna artists of his generation, Honduran artist Aurelio Martinez has
become the new voice of Paranda. The Garifuna are the descendants of shipwrecked African slaves
who settled in the Caribbean some 400 years ago, and Paranda is the name of the ballads of the Garifuna.
Aurelio Martinez is one of the few young Garifuna musicians trying to revive the old roots music.
Martinez describes the themes of the music. "The songs are about the problems of everyday life for
people," he says. "Sometimes you don’t understand it, but you feel it. If you can’t feel it, you can’t sing
Paranda." Acclaimed for both his preservation and modernization of this musical tradition, Aurelio’s
virtuosity is found in his distinctive, penetrating vocals and his talent as a composer.
Yogoman Burning Band & Maya Soleil
Saturday, March 10, 2007
9:00 doors/10:00 show
$7
Nectar
412 N 36th St.
Fremont/Seattle 98103
Seattle's own Afro-world-jazz-fusion band Maya Soleil opens this show. About Maya Soleil, "HotBands" says 'unique audio-visual experience' and 'this is a band that should be seen live'... The international magazine Modern Drummer says: 'very capable company of Seattle-based musicians' and 'energetic Afro-fusion band'.
Maya Soleil is 4-9 multi-instumentals, including the featured African artists Lora (Sukutai) Chiorah-Dye from Zimbabwe and Karim Koumbassa from Guinea. Extra vocalists, a guitarist, or a second dancer can be added for up to a nine piece group. Fee, show content, and number of members can be tailored to client's wishes.
Badi Assad
Saturday, March 3, 2007
8pm
$30
The music of Badi Assad (Pronounced Bah-Jee Ah-Sahje) transcends the traditional styles of her native
Brazil with an exotic mixture of ethnic sounds from around the world. As a singer, Badi is vibrant and
electric, responding to her inner passion with deft creativity. As a guitarist, she has inspired audiences
and critics worldwide with a unique combination of technical mastery and innovation. Through it all,
Badi’s adventurous spirit and buoyant personality have become an integral part of her music. According
to the Los Angeles Times, "Badi Assad redefines solo (guitar) performance! Revelatory, a brilliant display
of innovation, imagination, and skill...almost hypnotically compelling!"
Aphrodesia
Thursday, March 1, 2007
9:00 doors/10:00 show
$7
Nectar
412 N 36th St.
Fremont/Seattle 98103
Emerging in 2003 from the fertile San Francisco Bay Area music scene, Aphrodesia's highly original brand of ‘Super Aphro Beat’ and uncompromising political stance made them resist easy classification. In 2004, the band exploded into the national consciousness with the “Just Vote Tour”, a swing-state voter registration tour that took the band all the way to NYC and back in their vegetable oil-powered bus and landed the group on the cover of USA Today. The band’s debut CD, “Shackrobeat Vol. 1” (Flatbed Lamborghini), was picked as one of the best records of 2003 by the East Bay Express, and showstopping performances in 2004 and 2005 at the Aspen JazzFest, the Earthdance Festival, the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, the High Sierra Music Festival and many other festivals and venues won the group high praise. Meanwhile, the band opened for Steel Pulse in California and Colorado and shared festival stages with everyone from Willie Nelson to Ozomatli to Zap Mama. Aphrodesia's second CD, 2005’s "Front Lines" (Full Cut Records), was featured on National Public Radio, won rave reviews from media outlets from Global Rhythm Magazine to the Village Voice and broadened the band’s already wide appeal even further, setting the stage for their landmark trip to Africa.
World Sacred Music Festival
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007
5-9pm
$10 ($5 students/seniors)
Kenneth J. Minnaert
Center for the Arts
2011 Mottman Rd. SW
Olympia, WA 98512
Tickets available at:
For additional info contact:
Kathy Erlandson, Executive Director
Interfaith Works
360-357-7224 (office hours M-F 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Or Scott Stevens, WSMF Music Director
360-259-1682 or scott@earball.net
For the third straight year, the World Sacred Music Festival is bringing sacred music from diverse traditions to the South Puget Sound.
Created by Interfaith Works, this family-friendly global celebration is a rare opportunity to hear the music of different sacred traditions in one location. The 2007 festival features West African music from the Gansango Mandinka Trio, Persian (Iranian) music from Shabava, and the soul / blues / “sacred steel” sound of Unsanctified Gospel Revival, featuring regional favorite Orville Johnson.
Olympia's third annual World Sacred Music Festival takes place Sunday Feb. 4 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the state-of-the-art Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia.
For more information, directions, and a complete performance schedule, visit www.olysacredmusic.org
Ignacio Berroa
Monday, Feb. 5, 2007
7:30
$21.50
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Tickets available at:
http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?name=Ignacio_Berroa
For additional info contact:
jazzalley@jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
Cuban-born jazz drummer. Dizzy Gillespie says he is "The only Latin drummer in the world, in the history of American music that intimately knows both worlds; his native Afro-Cuban music as well as Jazz."
Mexico in Seattle: A Music & Dance Celebration
Saturday, February 10, 2007
8:00
$19-25
Town Hall Seattle
Tickets available at:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/8913
For additional info contact:
206-652-4255, info@townhallseattle.org
Town Hall, in partnership with El Centro de la Raza and KBCS 91.3 FM, celebrates the Mexican American experience in the United States through music, dance and song. Featured artists include Son de Madera from Veracruz, Mexico in their Pacific Northwest debut. This scintillating five member ensemble is considered among Mexico’s finest exponents of Son Jarocho, the traditional song style, flavored with percussive dance, native to the state of Veracruz and blending Spanish, African, and Indian influences; Los Texmaniacs, from San Antonio, Texas, the hot conjunto playing rollicking Tejano dance music and rock and roll favorites with a Mexican American lilt; Eva Ybarra, the legendary south Texas singer, accordionist and bandleader guesting with Los Texmaniacs; and Bailadores de Bronce, Seattle’s outstanding Mexican folk dance ensemble performing dances from Veracruz and the Tex-Mex Borderlands. There’ll be a dance floor in front of the Great Hall stage for audience members to kick up their heels. Come early for a pre-concert talk at 7:15 pm.
Tyva Kyzy
Saturday, January 27, 2007
8pm
$30
Tyva Kyzy ("Daughters of Tuva") is the first and foremost all-female ensemble that performs the five main
styles of Tuvan throat singing. This multiple–tone harmonic singing has attracted many enthusiasts
its almost unearthly beauty. Beneath the presentation lies a deep connection between Tuvan folk
and the sonic landscape of traditional Tuvan culture. The whisper of the wind, the babble of a brook,
the cry of a camel–all find their place in the sounds and lyrics of Tuvan throat singing. Tyva Kyzy perform
this traditional art in their own unique feminine style and utilize a wide range of folk instruments.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Sunday, Jan 21, 2007
8:00 pm
$20-25
Kentwood High School Performing Arts Center
25800 164th Ave SE
Covington, WA 98042
Tickets available at:
Ticketmaster
For additional info contact:
253-373-7680
|
|
Monday, Jan 22, 2007
8:00 pm
$35
Benaroya Hall
200 University St
Seattle, WA 98111
Tickets available at:
Ticketmaster
For additional info contact:
206-215-4747, 206-215-4800
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Grammy Award winning, South African a cappella singing group. I still bet goosebumps when I recall their performance at S.O.B.s in New York during their Graceland tour with Paul Simon.
Thomas Mapfumo & Blacks Unlimited
Friday, Jan. 19, 2007
8:00
$22/25
Triple Door
216 Union St
For additional info contact:
http://www.thetripledoor.net/contact.aspx
Thomas Mapfumo made revolutionary changes in Zimbabwe's pop-music scene by recording a song for which he'd written his own music. Before Mapfumo, songs in the traditional style were always based on tunes that had been handed down for generations. He is responsible for blending traditional Shona mbira music with western instruments and a political message full of innuendo and traditional proverbs. He established the musical style, chimurenga (the Shona word for struggle). Mapfumo's music became popular during the civil war against White minority rule, but his popularity made the government unhappy. In 1977 he was sent to a prison camp for subversion. To obtain his release, Mapfumo agreed to perform for the ruling party, but at the concert he sang only his most revolutionary songs. "I told them that since I'd been in detention, I didn't have time to write new ones."
Seattle Presents, Jessika Kenney, Eyvind Kang and Heather Carman
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007
noon
Free
City Hall Lobby
600 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
For additional info contact:
arts.culture@seattle.gov, 206-684-7171
Classical Persian music set to the works of the great Sufi poets Sa'adi, Hafez and Baba Taher, in the original Farsi language. http://www.seattle.gov/seattlepresents
Cuchata
Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007
$6
Nectar
412 N 36th St.
Fremont/Seattle 98103
For additional info contact:
206-632-2020
http://www.nectarlounge.com/bandpages/cuchata.1.4.htm
Cuchata's music is the very definition of Latin Alternative music, and arguably the only band of it's kind in Seattle. Their entirely original compositions join afro-latin traditions with elements of rock, hip-hop, drum and bass, avante-garde jazz, dub reggae, afrobeat, and more. Certainly not a latin-jazz band, by no means salsa, rock en espanol, or cumbia, Cuchata borrows from all these genres and blends them with a rare fluency.
These are some of the many world music shows that have happened in Seattle recently.
Las Caras del Flamenco
Thursday, November 9, 2006
8:00 pm
$21.00 in advance $24.00 at the door
Broadway Performance Hall
1625 Broadway
Seattle
Tickets: http://www.ticketwindowonline.com
Contact: Savannah Fuentes 206-853-4277
Savannah Fuentes Flamenco presents "las Caras del Flamenco" featuting, direct from Madrid, vocalist Keiko Ooka. This show will present flamenco's traditional roots as well as its remarkable ability to fuse with other musical genres. Keiko will be accompanied by guitarist, Tyson, "El Manicero",and dancer Savannah Fuentes. Pianist Julio Jauregui, Percussionist Jeff "Bongo"Busch, and bassiat Evan Flory-Barnes will contribute their artistry as well. This show will run one night only.
Acoustic Africa with Habib Koite and Dobet Gnahore
Friday-Sunday, October 13-15, 2006
$26.50
Tickets available at:
Jazz Alley web site
A unique concert experience featuring two of Africa's leading singer-songwriters.
Sarakasi
Sunday, October 8, 2006
2pm & 7pm
$34 [$20 Ages 5-17]
A fusion of cultures from Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, Sarakasi breathes new life into the word
"circus." This two-hour spectacular features human pyramids, eight-pin juggli
ng, contortionists, high-energy
dance, drumming, music, colorful costumes and much more. The company’s marvelous ability
and flawless teamwork creates such excitement that audiences burst into applause and laughter. This
is the first truly authentic African circus utilizing entirely African music, costumes, choreographers, set
and costume designers. Sarakasi simultaneously celebrates the diversity of the African continent and
the festive joy of the circus in one exhilarating show.
Culture Musical Club of Zanzibar
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006
7:30 pm
Advance tickets are $22/$19 Town Hall members, seniors and students. Visit www.brownpapertickets.com or call 800/838-3006 for tickets. $25/$22 at the door
Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Ave (at Seneca)
Seattle WA 98101
For additional info contact:
Spider Kedelsky 206-652-4255 x0
Town Hall Seattle is proud to be the only West Coast site chosen for the inaugural US tour by the legendary Culture Musical Club of Zanzibar, formed in 1958 as part of the island's independence movement. The orchestra, composed of 13 men and women musicians and singer/dancers, is Zanzibar's most famous exponent of taarab music, a unique blend of the sounds of East Africa, off which the island of Zanzibar lies, and the musical influences of the Arab world whose traders and sultans played a central role in this fabled island's history. A sound like none other in the world, taarab includes swelling violins, qanun (Arabic zither), plucked ud or lute, vibrant drums, rousing vocals in poetic meter, even an accordion, all of which conspire to carry the viewer away to this land of spices, emerald green land and deep blue sea. In addition to taarab, Culture Musical Club performs kidumbak, or small group music, started in the 1920's among musicians who could not afford all the instruments of traditional taarab. Kidumbak is played at weddings and other social events, with lyrics full of social commentary, hip-twirling rhythm, and repertoire based on taarab, but with songs shortened, tempi increased, and a concluding fast section, which is designed to get people dancing.
Oliver Mtukudzi and The Black Spirits
Thursday-Sunday, September 7-10, 2006
$24.50
Set times Thursday through Saturday are at 7:30pm and 9:30pm and set time on Sunday is at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6pm on Thursday and 5:30pm Friday - Sunday.
Jazz Alley
2033 6th Avenue
Seattle WA 98121
Tickets available at:
Jazz Alley web site
The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley presents African Pop Giant Oliver Mtukudzi for four nights. Band members include: Oliver Mtukudzi (vocals), Mary Bell (vocals), Erick Kasamba (vocals/percussion), Jairos Hambahamba (keyboard), Never Mpofu (bass), Namatayi Mubariki (vocals), Clive Mutyasira (drummer) and Kennedy Neshamba (percussion).
http://www.jazzalley.org/artist.asp?name=Oliver_Mtukudzi_and_The_Black_Spirits
Yebabuena/Zarabanda
Thursday, August 24, 2006
7:30
$15
Triple Door
216 Union St
For additional info contact:
Info@thetripledoor.net
This is the finest Seattle has to offer, in regards to Cuban son! Not to be confused with thye New York band of the same name. And in fact, The band is changing their name to Orchestra Zarabanda!
Since 1994, the 11-piece charanga band Yerbabuena has brought the Northwest the genuine sounds of Cuban son, salsa, cha cha cha, guaranco, and danzon. Mixing a repertoire of originals and standards from such as Cachao, Orquesta Aragon, and The Buena Vista Social Club, the group features a violin section that gives their music a deeply authentic flavor.
No less an authority than Richard Egues, chief arranger and flutist for Orquesta Aragon for fifty years, has said: "Seattle has no reason to envy New York because Seattle has a charanga, which is very unusual...a fine orquesta with excellent musicians."
Be sure to bring your dancing shoes because we're clearing out the tables in front of the stage.
Plena Libre
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
7:30
$18.50 adv/ $21 day of show
Triple Door
216 Union St
For additional info contact:
Info@thetripledoor.net
Since 1994, Plena Libre, led by bassist, arranger, composer and producer Gary Núñez, has become a major force on the Puerto Rican musical scene.With a style that draws on both the traditional and the modern, Plena Libre has taken this rhythmic genre of Puerto Rican origin through new and exciting developments. Plena Libre's unique interpretation of the beloved native Afro-Puerto Rican song form/rhythm, plena is fused with salsa, jazz and other Afro-Caribbean genres to produce a joyous, percussion-driven, vocally rich mixture.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
7:30 pm
$22.50 adv/ $25 day of show
Triple Door
Hot Afrobeat from a masked Nigerian saxaphone player.
Thursday, July 27
7:30PM
$17.50 adv/ $20 day of event
Triple Door
Billboard USA says, "Touré's music evokes modern and traditional modes of life: It's as influenced by the sounds coming out of today's Senegal, Mali, Paris and New York as it is falored by the traditional music of his native Mauritania. Gentle-voiced and sweet-spirited, Touré, teaming up with electronic musician/producer Cyrille Dufay, creates a thoroughly charming record. Standout tracks include the lilting 'Iris', the R& B tinged 'Bary' and the hypnotically rhythmic 'Dendecuba'...Touré is a rising star."
Kekele
Thursday, July 6, 2006
7:30 PM
$22.50 adv/ $25 day of show
Triple Door
Congolese supergroup playing "Rumba Congolaise - an irresistible mix of Cuban rumba and African rhythms."
Sunday, July 9, 2006
doors 9:00, show 10:00
$6 adv/$8 day of show
Nectar
412 N 36th in Fremont
Tickets available at:
brownpapertickets.com
Blending Malian, American, and "Dirty South" influences into a genre all its own, Toubab Krewe "has set a new standard for fusions of rock 'n' roll and West African music," says Banning Eyre at Afropop Worldwide. Members of the group developed their unique sound over the course of numerous extended trips to West Africa, where they immersed themselves in the local culture and studied and performed with masters such as Lamine Soumano, Vieux Kante, Madou Dembele, and Koungbanan Conde. The magnetic instrumental quintet formed in early 2005 and has attracted a diverse and devoted national following, captivating crowds everywhere from the Bonnaroo Music Festival and the Blue Note to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The band's energetic performances and acclaimed self-titled debut have won them praise from the New York Times, Global Rhythm, Afropop Worldwide, and more.
Refugee All-Stars of Sierra Leone
Thursday, July 13
8:00 pm
$15 advance/$17 day of show
Neumos
I saw a movie about this band at the Seattle International Film Festival. This is an amazing group of refugess from Sierre Leone who formed their band during their time in a refugee camp in Guinea. A truly inspirational group. For more info, see these links:
Music-Africa article
film web site/
IMDB entry on the film
Seattle Rhythm Festival
Saturday, July 15, 2006
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
FREE
Seattle Center
One-day festival of drum and dance created by the Seattle rhythm community as an alternative to the World Rhythm Festival (which won't be offered again until April 2007).
Amadou and Miriam
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
8:00 pm
$21 advance/$25 at the door
Showbox
Conference Taranga
Various Artists
Thursday, June 22-Sunday June 25, 2006
Four-day drum and dance conference featuring top West African teachers and performers. See the Planet Afua web site or download the Taranga Conference flyer (large file: 660K) for details.
Seu Jorge
Thursday, June 22, 2006
8:00PM
$20 advance/$25 day of show
Neumos
Brazilian samba-style pop.
Baba Maal
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Showbox
Legendary vocalist offering Senegalese Afro-pop at its finest.
Tuesday & Wednesday, June 27-28, 2006
$21.50
South African singer and guitar player. Dave Matthews says, "He was a voice during the revolution, a voice of hope, like a Woody Guthrie or Bob Dylan of South Africa and he still is."
Thomas Mapfumo
Thursday, June 29, 2006
7PM & 10PM
$18 adv/ $20 day of show
Triple Door
World music innovator from Zimbabwe blends traditional Shona mbira music with western instruments.
Stomp
Tuesday - Sunday, April 18-23, 2006
Tues - Thurs, 7:30pm;
Fri, 8:00pm;
Sat, 2:00pm & 8:00pm; Sun, 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Weeknight Tickets are $27.50 - $37.50;
Weekend Tickets are $32.50 - $42.50
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Tickets available online at Ticketmaster and at the Paramount box office Monday through Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm
For additional info contact: 206-467-5510
STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments - matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps - to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, 'STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.'
Beat the Cancer Benefit Fiesta
for Barbara Crummins
Friday, April 28, 2006
8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Auction, Food & Refreshments by donation
Georgetown Ballroom
5623 Airport Way
Seattle 98108
For additional info contact:
Here is Carl's announcement to the local samba community about this event: "Some of you may know or remember Barbara Crummins, a graphic artist
and member of the Fremont Arts Council who was quite active in the
samba community for a while as a member first of the now defunct Samba
Seattle, and more recently was a member of VamoLá. Lately she's
become very active in the Cuban dance community. Anyway, a month or
two ago we were shocked to learn she was diagnosed with stage-4
cancer, which is one of those terrible ironies since she had no
previous history, has always eaten healthily, lived and partied
moderately, and was one of those folks you'd least expect this to
happen to. There's going to be a benefit party for her in a few
weeks, and your support would be much appreciated."
Please attend and support this event. Proceeds will help Barbara with medical expenses for cancer treatments.
Featuring
SuperSones (Cuban son, salsa and cha-cha-cha)
Los Flacos (Pan Latino)
DJs Karlitos, Baracoa & Sudassy!
And other surprise musical guests and entertainers!
FREE Cuban-style dance class, 8:30-9PM, by Maiensy Sanchez
Note on parking: "IMPORTANT! You are welcome to park in the Sun
Sign, Helmet Head, Armor Clad flooring and Raeco Inc parking lots or
on the street, side streets or alley surrounding the venue. However
there is no parking on the east side of Airport Way in the artist
lofts' parking lot."
Saturday, April 8, 2006
7:30 p.m.
$15 adults/$13 seniors/students
Shorecrest Performing Arts Center
15543 25th Ave NE
Shoreline
For additional info: 206-417-4645 or www.shorelinearts.net
Spanish troubador Juan L. Sanchez accompanied by master percussionist Armando Mafufo and dancer Angell Estrada.
Sweet Honey in the Rock
Friday, April 7, 2006
8:00 p.m.
$22 - $35.50 (not including fees)
Paramount Theatre
911 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Tickets available online at Ticketmaster and at the Paramount box office Monday through Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm
For additional info contact: 206-467-5510
"Sweet Honey In The Rock is a Grammy Award-winning African American female a cappella ensemble with deep musical roots in the sacred music of the black church - spirituals, hymns, and gospel - as well as jazz and blues.
The Sweet Honey experience is like no other. Six African American women join their powerful voices, along with hand percussion instruments, to create a blend of lyrics, movement and narrative that variously relate history, point the finger at injustice, encourage activism, and sing the praises of love."
Les Ballets Africains
Fri & Sat, March 31 & April 1, 2006
8:00 pm
$33/$20 (ages 5-17)
Meany Hall
Tickets available at:
UW Arts Ticket Office
4001 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
ph: (206) 543-4880; 1 (800) 859-5342
fax: (206) 685-4141
Office hours: 10am-6pm Monday-Friday (with weekend hours on selected days).
Meany Theater box office opens night of show one hour prior to curtain.
Les Ballets Africains, the national ensemble of the Republic of Guinea, comes to Meany celebrating 50 years of universal recognition as Africa's most accomplished touring company. The company features traditional dance, music, acrobatics and storytelling. Pulsing rhythms from ancient tribal instruments build excitement as the company bursts onto the stage in an explosion of dance and song.
Samite
Thursday, March 16, 2006
8:00 pm
$8 advance/$10door
Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave NW
For additional info call:
206-789-3599
Samite's solo show at the Triple Door in Nov. 2004 was really nice, mostly kalimba and singing. Not sure if it's just him again or his whole band - call the Tractor if you're curious. From Samite's web site: Samite was born and raised in Uganda, where his grandfather taught him to play the traditional flute. . . .Increasingly drawn to instruments and rhythms from the traditional Ugandan music scene, he eventually played solo at the Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nairobi. Delivering his mellifluous vocals in his mother tongue, Luganda, he mesmerized audiences with original compositions played on kalimba (finger-piano), marimba (wooden xylophone), litungu (seven-stringed Kenyan instrument) and various flutes; traditional and western.
The Spirit of West Africa
Thione Diop and Friends
Sunday, March 12, 2006
1:00-5:00 pm
Free
Seattle Center
Center House
A free concert of West African music featuring master djembe drummer Thione Diop and Friends, including Kora master Prince Diabate and the sounds of Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. All ages are welcome to join the spirit and culture of West African through live music, featuring master drummers and kora artists, and dance ensembles. Featuring:
Thione Diop and Yeke Yeke – Griot traditions of Senegal
Mapathe Diop – Sabar drums of Senegal
Prince Diabate – Kora master of Guinea (Kora is an harp style intstument)
Saeed Abbas - Music of Ghana
Udoka Cultural Dance – Igbo culture of Eastern Nigeria
Sarakasi - The Amazing African Acrobats
March 11, 8:00 PM
March 12, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Adults $29.00 - Sr $26.00 - Youth $15.00
Kirkland Performing Arts Center
350 Kirkland Ave.
Kirkland, WA 98033
Tickets available at:
425.893.9900 & web site
For additional info contact:
425.893.9900
In the wake of the sold-out runs of the Peking Acrobats and The Shanghai Circus, KPC proudly presents Sarakasi: a fusion of cultures from Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia performed with authentic music and costumes. Sarakasi is the first truly authentic African circus, developed completely in Africa, utilizing native choreographers, costume and set designers, and featuring the athleticism of these truly gifted performers.
Ibrahima Camara & Safal
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006
10:00 pm
$7
Nectar
412 N 36th in Fremont
Eight-piece African Roots Rhythm Band plays Afro-pop - High-Life - Latin Raggae
Yawo
January 21, 2006
7:30 pm
$12 - $18
Shoreline Community College Theater
16101 Greenwood Avenue North
Tickets Range from $12 - $18 and can be purchased day of show at the theatre, or by calling (206) 546-4606.
For additional info contact:
206-546-4606
A native of Togo, West Africa, Yawo started his musical career at the "Ecole Experimentale de musique" of Lome where he studied flute, classical guitar, and electric bass. As the leader of the high school band he formed with his brother and sister, Yawo Attivor developed a talent for composing and arranging music that embraces both the traditions of the Ewe tribe and the influences of the western civilization. This multicultural approach to songwriting led to the creation of the MIMI-Togo (International Movement for Innovative music-Togo branch) which Yawo directed until he left Togo in 1992 as a result of political turmoil in his motherland. In 1993, Yawo joined the international organization Up With People, traveling the U.S. and Europe, promoting peace and understanding among the citizens of the world. After Up with People, Yawo, his cousin Ro Attivor(aka Ro Bezz), Sarah Agbeto and guitarist Matt Hupton created Doliho, an afropop project that rocked the Midwest with a unique album in the late 90s. In 2002, after he moved to Minneapolis a year earlier, Yawo launched a solo career with the album "Celebrate" (Mia du agbe) followed in October 2004 by "Take Out the Fences", a "refreshingly upbeat" (Minneapolis Star-Tribune) album that breaks musical barriers with an explosion of afrobeat, afrofunk and reggae.
West African Dance & Drum Fete:
Benefit for Hurrican Katrina Victims
Saturday, October 1, 2005
8:00 pm
$10 suggested donation
Studio 900 (map)
900 N 34th St
Tickets available at the door
For additional info contact: Amelia Crawford
Featuring the music of Kane Mathis,
Thione Diop & Yeke Yeke,
Mapathé Diop,
Souleymane N'Diaye, and
Ibrahima Camaradesc.
Angelique Kidjo
September 30, 2005
Meany Hall
Benefit Concert for Building a Nursery in Ghana
featuring Yaw Amponsah's Ghanaian Akoma Ensemble with Kane Mathis (kora) and Leif Totusek (guitar)
Saturday, July 23, 2005
9:00 pm
$10 (all proceeds donated to the nursery project)
Scarlet Tree
6521 NE Roosevelt Way
Tickets available at the door
For additional info contact:
Cody Case 206-920-7631
"UW students, with sponsorship from Scarlet Tree, are hosting a Benefit Concert for Building a Nursery in Ghana on Saturday night, July 23rd, 9 p.m. at the Scarlet Tree (6521 NE Roosevelt Way), featuring Yaw Amponsah's Ghanaian Akoma Ensemble, and a must-see collaboration of Kane Mathis on Kora (a 21-stringed gourd instrument from the Gambia sometimes referred to as the 'African harp') and renowned Rumba guitarist Leif Totusek. The cover will be $10, and 100% of the proceeds from the door will go toward funding for the project. There will also be a raffle give-away of prizes. For concert information, visit www.scarlettreemusic.com, or contact UW graduate student: Cody Case 206-920-7631."
Fri, June 10, 2005
9:00 pm
$12 advance; $15 day of show
Chop Suey
1325 E. Madison Street
Seattle, WA 98122
Ticket info available at http://www.chopsuey.com/
"Antibalas is an afrobeat juggernaut. The thirteen-member strong orchestra overwhelms the stage with monstrous horns and bass, polyrhythmic beats and funky breaks, and furious lyrics in English, Yoruba and Spanish. The live show is equal parts sweat-drenched bacchanalia and political rally."
Saturday, April 16, 2005
8 pm
$18-22
Town Hall
1119 Eighth Avenue (at Seneca Street)
Seattle, WA
Tickets available at: TicketWeb
Advance tickets for the performance are $20/18 only at www.ticketweb.com, $22/20 at the door.
For additional info contact:
info (at) townhallseattle (dot) org
206-652-4255
"Africa in America" celebrates the vibrancy of African performance in the United States exemplified by the outstanding African artists who have made our country their home in the last thirty years. The centerpiece of this celebration is the "Africa in America" concert at Town Hall on Saturday, April 16 at 8 pm. Featured artists include the great Malian singer Abdoulaye Diabate, and Gambian kora player and singer Muhamadou Salieu Suso, both now living in New York City; Fua Dia Congo, the brilliant California-based troupe performing Central African dance and drumming; Eritrean vocalist and musician Asmelash Haile; and the West African All-Stars, organized especially for this concert, featuring outstanding performers from West Africa now living in the Puget Sound area. Diana Baird N'Diaye, of the Folklife Center of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, will give a special pre-concert talk at 7:15 pm.
Tangletown
Tuesdays, through March
9 pm
$6
Nectar
412 N 36th St.
Fremont
Tickets available at the door
For additional info call: 206-632-2020
The original drummer of Santana, Michael Shrieve, has put together an all-star Seattle band to perform brand new world-beat, Latin, and rock tunes every Tuesday. Featuring Michael Shrieve (of SANTANA) on drums,
Kevin Sawka (of KJ SAWKA, SIAMESE) on drums,
Johnny Conga (of TUMBA CALIENTE) on percussion,
James Whiton (of ERIC McFADDEN TRIO, DOWNTOWN APOSTLES) on double bass,
Chris "CD" Littlefield (of KARL DENSON's TINY UNIVERSE) on horn,
Danny Godinez on guitar, and
Ryan Leyva on guitar.
Jabali Afrika
Wed. March 2, 2005
9 pm
$10
Sunset Tavern
5433 Ballard Ave NW
For additional info visit: http://www.sunsettavern.com/
Kenyan group - see their web site for more info. They also be performing that same day on KUOW 94.9 "The Beat" program sometime between 2-3pm.
The Griots of Guinea West Africa
Saturday, December 11, 2004
4:00 pm & 7:30 pm
$20
Bellevue Community College, Carlson Theater
Tickets available at:
the Bellevue Community College Student Union Bldg. at the Business Center in C-105 or call 425-564-2297
Tickets will also be available the day of the show
Featuring:
Prince Diabate - Kora, Ngoni, Vocals
Karamba Dioubate - Jembe, Bote', Krin
Nabi Camara - Balafon
Eduared Souarez - Calabash
Won-Ldy Paye, "The Liberian Storyteller"
A Griot is an African historian. He/she is a revered clan member who would memorize all of a village's significant events, like births, death, marriages, hunts, seasons and wars, ensuring that the collective heritage, culture and lineage of the clan continued. Among the instruments Griots play to accompany their epics and songs is the 21-string Kora. The Kora, the Ngoni and the Balafon are the three indispensable melody instruments of the Manding [Mande] Griot. All three instruments are found throughout the Mande world, but each has its region of dominance. The Kora rules in the Gambia, . . . in Mali, the Ngoni is king, . . . and Guinea is the province of the Balafon.
Proceeds of the concerts will go to support an Emergency Book Fund and the Lorea Acuzaar Scholarship Fund for needy students served by the Office of Multi Cultural Services.
Various Artists
Friday, Dec. 17, 2004
7:30 - ???
$ ??
Fremont Drum & Dance Studio
900 N 34th St
For additional info contact:
Sarah Lee Parker, 206-938-3148
This is going to be a great big party honoring Bill Matthews and the Fremont Drum and Dance Center! As some of you know, for the past 2 years, this space has been the "home" for so many amazing events – classes, parties, CD release parties, workshops and performances! In honor of the man behind the plan, we invite you to come on down to the Center for a big celebration! There will be music, music, and more music!
Maya Soleil Afro-World Fusion
(w/special guest TBA)
Friday, Jan. 7, 2005
9 pm
$7
Nectar in Fremont
412 N 36th St.
For additional info contact:
Rob Pastorok, 425-486-4063, e-mail
Nectar is a very nice, hip, NONSMOKING dance club.
Come experience a variety of world beat music with Seattle's best DJ's
and live music from Maya Soleil, with special guest.
Rokia Traore
Thursday, October 21, 2004
7:00 & 9:30 pm
$26
Malian vocalist
The Triple Door
216 Union Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Abdullah Chhadeh & Nara
Saturday, April 29, 2006
8:00 pm
$29
Meany Theater, UW
Show and ticket info
This year's UW World Music & Theater Series wraps up
with the mesmerizing sounds of this eclectic group
with roots in both the Arabic and Western worlds.
Cinco de Mayo at Nectar
Friday, May 5, 2006
Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th St. (Fremont)
206-632-2020
Picoso, SuperSones, and DJ Karlitos.
Hugh Masekela
Monday, May 8, 2006
7PM and 10PM
$35 advance / $38 day of show
The Triple Door
For additional info contact: http://www.tripledoor.com/event.aspx?eid=1468
Gangbe Brass Band
Monday-Saturday May 10-15, 2006
Seattle Center
Tickets and info available at: http://www.seattleinternational.org/seattle/performers/gangbe.html
Gangbe Brass band from Benin performs as part of the Seattle International Childrens Festival at Seattle Center.
Atlantic Melody
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Nectar Lounge
412 N 36th St. (Fremont)
206-632-2020
High-energy pop music of Guinea, with a group brought to you by Edward Sourarez (Guinea), featuring Abdoullaye Diabate (Guinea) on guitar and others. Abdoullaye was a composer and lead guitarist with Fatala, and Alpha YaYa Diallo used to play rhythm guitar for him.
World Sacred Music Festival
Saturday May 13, 2006
all day
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Olympia WA
For additional info: visit the festival web site
Susana Baca
Saturday, May 20, 2006
8:00 pm
$20adv/$25dos
Crocodile Cafe
Seattle
Tickets available at: TicketWeb
Afro-Peruvian singer who deserves the label "diva."
Femi Kuti
Saturday, July 30, 2005
8:00 pm
$22.00 advance at TicketsWest. $25.00 day of show and at the door.
Showbox
1426 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Tickets available at TicketsWest
"Femi Kuti is the oldest son of the late Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti. Fela pioneered the sprawling big band sound called afrobeat. His 45-minute musical tirades against Nigeria's power elite lead to violent confrontations, and in 1984, the government jailed him on a trumped up currency charge. Femi, who had quit school to play alto sax in his father's band back in 1978, stepped up to lead the band for the next two years. In 1986, Fela returned and Femi split off to form his own group, Positive Force. Continuing in the afrobeat tradition, Femi built around a solid, six-piece horn section and two strong percussionists. With guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and four singer/dancers, his band numbered 17. Like Fela, Femi sang about power politics, but with a lighter touch, and in briefer form." [from Afropop.com]
PLEASE NOTE (from the Showbox web site): "The SeaFair Torchlight Parade will be taking place downtown on Saturday July 30th, the night of the Femi Kuti show. We recommend allowing PLENTY OF EXTRA TIME to arrive at this show. Road closures and large crowds will make it very difficult to park and navigate."
Hugh Masekala
August 7, 2005
Triple Door
216 Union St
Seattle-Based African Music Groups
Check out these performers' web sites for info on upcoming shows.
Gansango
Music and dance company lead by Etienne Cakpo from Benin. Gansango web site.
Lagni Sussu
Naby Camara's group. Naby is a traditional griot and balafon player from Guinea. (I play dununs for some of Naby's shows.)
Maya Soleil
Versatile Afro-world fusion band in configurations that include both traditional acoustic African folk and eclectic world-beat fusion. web site
Modibo Traore
Bougarabou drummer from the Casamance region of southern Senegal. Modibo's web site.
Safal
Hot Afro-pop group lead by Ibrahima Camara, a master drummer from Senegal.
Yeke Yeke
High-energy drum (djembe/dunun) ensemble led by Thione Diop, a master
drummer from Senegal.
Keywords & spelling variations:
Rokia Traore, Rokia Traora, Rokea,
Youssou N'Dour, Yousou, Youssoo, Yoosoo, Yousoo, Yoosou, Youssoo, Yoossou, Usu, Ndour, Ndoor, N'Door, N'Dor,
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