Our dear friend and colleague, Louise Chang, passed away on Wednesday, July 16 after a long battle with cancer. Over the past five years, Louise has been an invaluable connecting force in the Afropop community in
New York City . Maybe you never met her, but you saw her work. Louise edited this very popular Afropop
New York weekly events listings. As a person who loved getting out to hear bands and followed the city’s growing world music scene closely, she did this work with great dedication and passion. Louise included community events and the big concerts. She gave space to unknown upcoming artists as well as internationally celebrated Afropop stars. At concerts, Louise was always one of the first to get up and dance, swaying and smiling in her joyous way. Even though she has been seriously ill over the past year and could rarely get out as she used to, she kept working for the Afropop community. Words cannot express our gratitude, and our sadness at losing such a rare and wonderful friend. Louise, thank you for everything, for your spirit, your laughter and love, for all your work, and for the inspiration you leave to all of us. You will be sorely missed!
Tune in to Afropop Worldwide with Georges Collinet on
Current events are featured here monthly in "This Month's Hot Picks" section,
ongoing events are in the "Clubs . . ." section, and future events in the "Peek & Plan Ahead" section.
Additional events are added to any of the 3 sections every 2/3 days or so as and noted as follows:
LAST UPDATE: SATURDAY June 07, 2008
ALL FREE - Summer Fun Outdoors ! ! !
The Outdoor Concert Schedules are Up ! ! !
starting dates order
Free @ JCC, Manhattan. Weekly classes change monthly. JCC Take a Chance Also, once a month Saturdays: 6:45 - 7:45 pm, FREE JCC Nia Jam Take a Chance Classes * * * NOTE: * * * registration required - open to members/non-members, call (646) 505-5708 registration required - open to members/non-members, call (646) 505-5708
Friday, August 07, 2008 7:30 PM Damrosch Park Bandshell
F R E E - - F R E E - - F R E E
Come to Damrosch Park for a Lincoln Center Out of Doors season jam-packed with dynamic, free programs that offer something for absolutely everyone, from re-imaginations of beloved cultural icons to cross-cultural collaborations that blur the lines of genre and geography.
This season is highlighted by a host of vibrant and eclectic musical experiences. Catch the rhythmic fever of a funk-filled African tribute to the late Godfather of Soul, James Brown, when Still Black, Still Proud celebrates the “hardest-working man in show business.” Transcend 800 years of minimalism in a sublime triple bill presented in collaboration with Wordless Music.
Explore the power of multi-ethnic oral traditions with the return of the beloved La Casita festival, and celebrate our rich musical heritage from blues to New Orleans funk to bluegrass to punk with the 25th Annual Roots of American Music Festival.
Dance lovers will enjoy performances including the stirring Noche Flamenca, the premiere of Armitage Gone's collaboration with Burkina Electric,Summer of Love; Doug Elkins’ witty take on The Sound of Music, Fräulein Maria, and David Dorfman’s underground, a provocative look at political protest, as well as collegiate Stepping and Stilt-dancing from the Ivory Coast and more.
Bring the family outside this August for a lively Out of Doors season that celebrates the performing arts at a price everyone can afford — absolutely free.
Damrosch Park
Southwest corner of the Lincoln Center Plaza
(62nd Street near Amsterdam Avenue)
Thursday, August 7th @ 7PM Lincoln Center Out of Doors - free, no tickets required
“Since starting as chief critic here in April, I have encountered many dance companies, and many more individual dancers … Of these there has been none I have been so glad to discover as Noche Flamenca and, above all, its lead dancer, Soledad Barrio. I can think of no current ballet dancer in the world as marvelous as she.”
— The New York Times
Formed in 1993 by Martin Santangelo and his Bessie Award–winning wife, Soledad Barrio, Noche Flamenca is hailed by critics for its transcendent and deeply emotional performances. Recognized as the most authentic flamenco touring company in the field today, Noche Flamenca brings to the stage the essence, purity, and integrity of one of the world’s most complex and mysterious art forms. “Flamenco is a primal scream, an essential cry to express the joy, sorrow, comedy and tragedy of individuals and groups who are repressed by some by some form of limitation — social, economic, spiritual, physical … Flamenco is our vehicle,” exclaims Santangelo.
African Film Festival Presents:
Family Day Celebration on Governors Island
Saturday, August 9, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Have you ever wanted to experience the sights and sounds of Africa? If you can’t make it to the continent yourself, the next best thing is to hop on the ferry to discover a new corner of the city, just be sure not to miss an emerging favorite New York City summer tradition. Do join the African Film Festival, Inc. and Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation in welcoming world-class music, drumming and dancing, storytelling and quilting, film and cuisine, during an all day celebration on Governors Island.
Amadou and Miriam All Points West Music & Arts Festival
Sunday, August 10th
Doors open at noon all 3 days
Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Mali's capital Bamako 15 April 1958 and Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954). The pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music.
The duo produces music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian Ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. All these elements put together have been referred to as "Afro-blues".
Tickets for ALL POINTS WEST are on sale now! Single day passes are $89 and three-day passes are $258.
Maria Rita Performing at SummerStage
Opening Night of the Brazilian Film Festival
August 10th @ 7 PM
International Recording sensation Maria Rita is scheduled to perform at the 2008 Brazilian Film Festival on August 10, 2008. The daughter of two icons of Brazilian music, Elis Regina e Cesar Camargo Mariano,the platinum selling artist made her debut in 2003 with her self-entitled CD and DVD. Both were launched in more than 30 countries, including Germany, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, England, Italy, Japan, Korea, Czech Republic, Mexico, Holland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Venezuela.
Rita’s sophomore album, “Segundo” was equally received by audiences all over the world, granting her, two additional Grammy Latinos in 2006 – Best MPB Album and Best Brazilian Song with “Caminho das Águas” authored by Rodrigo Maranhão – and over 50 shows abroad, with full public and reviews acceptance in the Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Irving Plaza (NY), San Francisco Jazz Festival, among others.
Now back again with her third album release (“Samba Meu,” 2007), produced by Leandro Sapucahy and co produced by the artists herself, Rita will be opening the Brazilian Film Festival at Central Park Summerstage Festival on August 10th at 7pm.
DOORS OPEN: 6 PM/ SHOW STARTS: 7 PM ADDRESS: CENTRAL PARK SUMMERSTAGE - Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Enter the park at 69th Street and 5th Avenue on the east side or at 72nd Street and Central Park West on the west side.
S.O.B.'s Concerts Presents: CULTURE
Featuring: KENYATTA HILL
Monday, August 11th @ 10 PM
S.O.B.'s presents the iconic roots reggae band,Culture. Founded in the 1970's golden age of reggae, Culture has long been reggae’s preeminent harmony group and has garnered continual US and international acclaim for its extensive series of classic “roots” albums. Culture’s legendary “Two Sevens Clash” (Shanachie) was Reggae Album of the Year in 1977 and is acknowledged by Rolling Stone Magazine (April 11, 2002) as #25 of the 50 all time coolest records (the only reggae album to make the list).
Culture’s long-time front man, Joseph Hill, whose devotion to the traditional Rastafarian values of purity, simplicity and justice always seemed to shine in his pristine vocals, passed away in 2006 in the midst of a European tour, leaving his son, Kenyatta Hill to take up the band’s lead. Kenyatta stepped up and finished the tour, and has since lead Culture through various festivals and concert venues to much acclaim, shocking critics and fans around the world by how similar he sounds to his late great dad. He leads Culture to S.O.B.'s on August 11th, don't miss it!
Jimmy Delgado y su Orquesta
Wednesday, August 13th @ 7PM
Free**Free**Free
This world-renowned percussionist has been performing Salsa for over 30 years. He has performed with Tito Puente, Harry Belafonte, and Johnny Pacheco among others. Recently Jimmy followed his heart and produced his first CD entitled “Salsa Con Dulzura”.
Bajofondo,Osulande & The Yoruba Soul Orchestra Friday, August 15th @ 7PM Central Park SummerStage
Free**Free**Free
Bajofondo, from South America, skillfully mix traditional music styles from Argentina and Uruguay with house, trip-hop and lounge sensibilities to create what critics have dubbed “tango electronic.” This is music to dance to, and their live performances include strikingly original projected video imagery.
Yoruba priest and musician Osunlade has amassed a global legion of faithful fans through his spiritually-based compositions, and as a prolific house music producer and the founder of Yoruba Records. He has worked with artists such as Patti Labelle, Roy Ayers and Cesaria Evora and has remixed countless artists from every genre. His discography is extensive and impressive, with over 50 releases to his credit, the latest of which is Elements Beyond.
Location and Directions
Central Park SummerStage is located at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Enter the park at 69th Street and 5th Avenue on the east side or at 72nd Street and Central Park West on the west side.
For more information on Central Park SummerStage visit:
Dakar, Choice Market+Still Hip Presents:
Grand Avenue Block Party
Saturday, August 16th @ 10 pm
Food, Dance, and Fun
For the Kids:
Musica Para Mi-Let's Dance Brooklyn
Face Painting
games
planting project
recycled art project
The Big Stage:
Drifters
Spirit Ensemble
kids fashion show
Moshood fashion show
Judah Tribe
Keshira
Thikho & Sabar
Drummers/ Dancers
Location:
Grand Avenue in Clinton Hill between Lafayette Ave+Clifton Place
Still Black, Still Proud: An African Tribute to James Brown (New York Debut)
Friday, August 22nd @ 7PM
Lincoln Center Out of Doors - free, no tickets required
FREE*FREE*FREE
Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley, Musical Directors
Featuring Vieux Farka Touré, Cheikh Lô, Martha High, Fred Ross and others
Africa gave birth to the blues, which begat jazz, which spawned funk, which will always be the music of James Brown. To celebrate his musical and cultural legacy, Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley – cornerstones of Brown’s legendary band on saxophone and trombone, respectively – present the New York debut of Still Black, Still Proud: An African Tribute to James Brown. Ellis and Wesley have put together a pan-continental supergroup which features special guests Vieux Farka Touré, the rising Malian star and son of the legendary Ali Farka Toure, and the spiritual and enigmatic Senegalese vocalist Cheikh Lô, joining a band which includes vocalists Fred Ross and Martha High; alto saxophonist Charles McNail; guitarist Reggie Ward; keyboardist Peter Madsen; bassist Eric Herman and drummer John Mader, for what promises to be an unforgettable tribute to a seminal singer and performer.
Damrosch Park Southwest corner of the Lincoln Center Plaza
(62nd Street near Amsterdam Avenue)
S.O.B.'s French Caribbean Concerts Presents: Manhattan Haitian Dance Party featuring
BELO NEW ALBUM
"REFERENCE" RELEASE PARTY
Friday, August 22nd @ 11PM
Belo is an up-and-coming Haitian musician. In December, he won the "Best Discovery of 2006" prize from Radio France International. That was a big deal for Belo -- it earned him instant exposure on RFI's airwaves. Which means his upbeatCaribbeansound is now heard in many parts of the French-speaking world.
Belo's fans say he's just the kind of starHaitineeds right now. He's often compared to Wylcef Jean because he is extremely talented and projects a positive image ofHaiti. He likes to encourage all Haitians to work together to stop the violence that devastates their country.But Belo isn't singing any duets with Shakira -- at least not yet.
Doors Open: 11 PM
Shows: 12 AM & 2AM
Admission: $15 adv./$18 day of show
S.O.B.'s Concerts Presents: THE QUEEN OF SOCA MUSIC Featuring: ALISON HINDS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26th
S.O.B.'s presents Soca In the Summer with the “Roll it Gal” Alison Hinds and DJ Rude Boy. The "Soca Queen" gave a memorable performance last year, attracting a sell-out crowd and a surprise guest performance by reggae mega-star Shaggy. Alison Hinds lastest disc, Soca Queen, with production from Salaam Remi (Nas, Fugees, Amy Winehouse) has been burning up dancehalls across theCaribbean. With her women-empowering lyrics and up-tempo dance tracks, Alison comes to S.O.B.'s to deliver an unforgettable soca concert for the summer.
ArtMattan Productions Presents
YOUSSOU N'DOUR:
RETURN TO GOREE
Opens Friday, August 29th
The musical road movie, Youssou N'Dour: Return to Gorée, tells of Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour's historical journey following the trail left by slaves and by the jazz music they invented. Youssou N'Dour's challenge is to bring back to Africa a jazz repertoire and to sing those tunes in Goree, the island that today symbolizes the slave trade and stands to honor its victims.
From Atlanta to New Orleans, from New York to Bordeaux and Luxembourg, the songs are transformed, immersed in jazz and gospel. Transcending cultural divisions and rehearsing with of some of the world's most exceptional musicians, Youssou N'Dour is preparing to return to Africa for the final concert...
Director:Pierre-Yves Borgeaud
With: Youssou N’Dour, Moncef Genoud
and
Idris Muhammad, James Cammack, Harmony Harmoneers, Monk Boudreaux,
Gregoire Maret, Pyeng Threadgill, Erni Hammes, Wolfgang Muthspiel.
Special appearance by poet Imamu Amiri Baraka (LeRoy Jones)
English and French with English subtitles~108 minutes
Two Boots Pioneer Theatre NYC 155 E 3rd St
New York, NY 10009
(212) 591-0434
For More Information Visit: http://www.twoboots.com/pioneer/
ArtMattan Productions Presents: MARIA BETHÂNIA
música é perfume
Opens Friday, August 29th
“Music is like perfume, nothing else instantly affects you, changes you.”
Maria Bethânia is a living musical legend whose earthy interpretations of Brazilian film music have inspired generations of fans and musi cal colleagues all over the world. The power of the music gives voice and identity to an entire nationa.
“Samba is sadness dancing”, says Brazilian singer Maria Bethânia, a woman who extols the heart and soul of her nation through song. Maria Bethânia is from a very different world than today's pop singers. A world of arguably very adult passions and sorrows: loss, heartbreak, slavery, and religion.
Concert footage and interviews with the singer's family, friends and peers to create a warm and personal portrait of a woman and her impeccable artare intercut thoughout the film, With an unhurried pace, as easy and leisurely as a ballad, the documentary captures Bethânia in the studio and on stage, providing an insider's look at how musicians discuss phrasing and interpretations.
Often it is the impromptu renditions that are the most glorious, as when three of Brazil's most celebrated singers (Nana Caymmi, Miucha and Bethânia) give a samba siren's call in the dressing room after a concert. The singer speaks candidly and honestly to the camera about her life and her art, both of which are inextricably intertwined.
Director: GeorgesGachotPortuguese with English subtitles~82 minutes
FIRST CONCERT IN TWO YEARS! LIVE@ The Fillmore NY atIrvingPlaza
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31th
For more than 35 years, Burning Spear's music and his life have inspired people on numerous continents. Since the beginning, his songs have implored listeners to fight oppression in all its forms, to work at improving their own condition and to consider the social impact of their actions. Burning Spear builds upon the Jamaican legacy of musical activism. With its inimitable dancing groove, the album percolates and bubbles rhythmically in its call for unity between races, between nations, between individuals and even between business associates.
EXTEND YOUR WEEKEND WITH JAMROCK'S REGGAE MONDAYS AFTERWORK AT SOB'S.
JAMROCK Magazine invites you to step out of the summer humidity and into their Afterwork Reggae Mondays, a cool vibe complete with a Caribbean flavored menu and sultry reggae tunes. The free weekly after work party will start your week off right, setting your mind at ease as the Jerk Chicken treats please your palate and the sounds of dub, roots reggae and lover’s rock wash away your Monday blues.
We will be raffling off two tickets to Burning Spear at Irving Plaza (8/31) and Beres Hammond at Hammerstein Ballroom (9/6) EVERY WEEK!
NO MUSIC COVER CHARGE: - - CONTACT: Sirak @ (646) 316-7644
The Shrine 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd./7th Ave.
(133/134 St) NYC 212-690-7807 Travel Directions: 2, 3 135th
* * * Updated . . . (6/05/08) * * *
Source with Abdoulaye "Djoss" Diabate
Friday June 6 (first of each month)
Ongoing Scheduled / First Friday of the Month
African Jazz Source Band with Abdoulaye Diabate: vocals, guitar. Sylvain Leroux: flute, tambin, sax, vocals, leader. Emi Yabuno: keyboards. Mamadou Ba: bass. Robert Bonhomme: drums. Daniel Villeneuve: congas. - - Jazz/world music fusion, strong emphasis on West African on a deep intimate level with profound understanding of traditional African structures, acquired from prolonged studies, and years of experience. $5 cover and drink minimum. General hours 6pm - 3:30am weeknights.
Zinc Bar 90 West Houston St, (Thompson/& La Guardia Pl), NYC, (212) 477-8337
Train: 1, 9 at Houston St; B, D, F, Q at Broadway-Lafayette St; 6 at BleeckerSt.
* * * Updated . . . (02/25/08) * * *
African Music Nights * Live & Going On ! !
@ St. Nick's Pub!
St. Nick's Pub, the reknowned serious jazz lover's club, presents live African music "on and on" with the band taking a small break or two to refresh and play some more and more. At break time the music switches to the good old fashion juke-box. St. Nick's Pub following in their established tradition of presenting great jazz music, also presents great African music Saturdays. FEATURING: Abdoulaye Alhassane former guitarist and musical director for one of the most dazzling West African roots bands ever, Mamar Kassey of Niger. Born in Niger to a Songhai family from Gao, Mali, Abdoulaye learned to play many instruments as a boy, both traditional and modern.
Call (212) 283-9728 for more information. NO COVER CHARGE
St. Nick's Pub 773 Saint Nicholas Ave, (149th St.) NYC (212) 283-9728
SUBWAY: A, C; B, D at 145 St - Full Directions
-
* * * Updated . . . (06/05/08) * * *
Universal Sundays
UNI-VER-SAL & Vicrae Entertainment Presents
Sundays dj/live music @ 10 pm until - doors @ 9 pm
global rhythms * original sounds
rotating DJs * special guest performers
DJ Soul Selector * Sal Principato * dj Neva* Al Angeloro
. . . and upstairs in The Leopard Lounge:
Red Stripe Reggae/ Reggae Riddimz Sundays
For more info / get on email notices (212) 477-8161 or SalvatP@aol.com
Leopard Lounge 85 2nd Ave NYC (corner of 5th St.), NYC (212) 253-2222
Directions: F Train to 2nd Ave. or 6 to Astor Place
* * * Updated . . . (06/05/06) * * *
Bembe Music Nights
Lounge n Dancing n djs n Live Percussions & Performances
7 Days a Week - djs/live music starts @ 9 pm each night
Mon - Thu 7:30 pm - 4 am / Fri - Sun 7 pm - 4 am
F R E E - - F R E E - - F R E E
Global Music * Multicultural Patrons * Fresh Fruit Elixirs * Art Exhibitions - 2 Floors
Tuesdays:. Rocksteady, Roots, Dub & Conscious Reggae Thursdays: old school AfroCuban Salsa, Broken Beat & Latin Fusions. . . . LIVE Rumba Fridays:.World Beat.. Samba Soul, . . . House Rhythums ...Live Percussion sets & guest instrumentals Saturdays: Salsa, Reggae, Merengue, Samba, Brazilian music & House-Rhythms w/ Live Percussion...
Bembe 81 South 6th St. (corner of Berry St.)
Williamsburg Brooklyn (718) 387-5389
SUBWAY: L to Bedford Ave. or J, M, or Z to Marcy Ave stop - Full Directions
Know of any NYC area Afrocentric music or events for NYC Hot Picks? Drop us a line at Events@Afropop.org. Attended a recent Afropop NYC Hot Pick concert? Give us your feedback or review to be considered for publication on our web site. Please send those comments as well and we'll reward you with a goodie of your choice like a CD, t-shirt or other Afropop Worldwide thingie.
Afropop NYC August 2008
Afropop NYC Select Concerts & Events from August 2008
“Since starting as chief critic here in April, I have encountered many dance companies, and many more individual dancers … Of these there has been none I have been so glad to discover as Noche Flamenca and, above all, its lead dancer, Soledad Barrio. I can think of no current ballet dancer in the world as marvelous as she.” 
International Recording sensation Maria Rita is scheduled to perform at the 2008 Brazilian Film Festival on 
Bajofondo, from South America, skillfully mix traditional music styles from Argentina and Uruguay with house, trip-hop and lounge sensibilities to create what critics have dubbed “tango electronic.” This is music to dance to, and their live performances include strikingly original projected video imagery.
Pee Wee Ellis and Fred Wesley, Musical Directors
“Music is like perfume, nothing else instantly affects you, changes you.”
