Posts filed under ‘Dance Exhibitions’
Experience the Ancient Folk Art of Korea in an Electrifying Spectacle of Percussion and Dance with the Ensemble SamulNori: November 11th, Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
SamulNori is an ensemble with a mission. They are steadfastly dedicated to the preservation and promotion of ancient Korean folk music and dance, most specifically with respect to the 5,000 year old genre of nongak. As Korea’s #1 folk ensemble, the group has already enjoyed great success in reaching their goal, managing to capture the favor of countless audiences both in their native homeland and in numerous countries abroad. Their performance consists of purely percussive music played on gongs and drums and shamanistic ceremonial dances in which the participants create unique and engaging displays of swirling visual patterns with long ribbons and feather plumes worn upon their heads. Under the most capable leadership of changgo master Kim Duk-Soo, SamulNori adds a whole new dimension of musical expression and intrigue to nongak an other centuries old traditional Korean folk genres, through the incorporation of new and original rhythmic patterns, sharp musical contrasts, and dramatic crescendos that rise at times from periods of complete silence only to culminate in passages of feverish musical activity. The complex and challenging choreography displayed within the dances only continues to add to the excitement of the overall performance as the artists showcase their highly athletic leaps and spins, while playing their instruments simultaneously. The rave reviews attest not only to the quality of the showmanship but also to the production’s totally unique character as well.
Nongak is considered to be the fundamental basis of all of Korean culture as a whole. Although the genre is generally performed by percussionists who play and dance simultaneously, the members of SamulNori opt to present only the music so that it receives a maximum of artistic focus. The music itself is often referred to as farmer’s band and was originally performed as part of the harvest celebration throughout rural communities. Twice a year, in May when seeding their crops and again in October when reaping them, the villagers would celebrate 24/7 with group singing and dancing which involved hand clapping and foot stomping of specially prescribed rhythmic patterns. SalmulNori’s repertoire is characteristic not only of nongak, but also of shamanistic celebratory and religious prayer music, as well as additional ancient Korean folk styles. The group’s name actually translates to ” the playing of the four things”, in this case, referring to the quartet of musicians which serves as the core group of performers for most of the show. The “four things” more specifically include the K’kwaenggwari, ching, changgo, and buk.
SamulNori has developed an international reputation in a wide variety aspects. They have toured extensively world-wide appearing at major concert venues, joined artistic forces with some of world’s top musicians, recorded both cds and DVDs, and have also authored their own publication, while being featured in others. To attend one of their performances is not only an opportunity to experience Korean folk art at its finest, but also to walk way with a most valuable education in Korean folk culture in general.
Event Details:
When: November 11th, Friday @ 8:00 p.m.
Also free lecture/demonstration: November 12th (1:00 – 2:30 p.m.)
To be held @ Harvard University’s Holden Chapel in Harvard Yard
Where: Sanders Theatre (Harvard Square)
Tickets: $28.00 – $40.00 (Purchase info)
More Info: 617-876-4275
Feel the Heat with Latin Music and Dance Stars Kings of Salsa & Cuba Ashire: Oct. 13th – 15th, Thursday thru Saturday (7:30 or 8:00 p.m.)
Kings of Salsa: Watch/Listen
Hot, hot, and hotter would definitely be a fitting motto for the Kings of Salsa. Known for their sensual and evocative choreography this dance company will surely captivate you with their one-of-a-kind mesmerizing dance movements. And better yet, they have the music to back them up, thanks to the efforts of Cuba Ashire. Under the skillful directorship of Rodan Gonzallez Chavez, one of Cuba’s premier choreographers, this young troupe of nine of the country’s best dancers has quickly become all the rage in
their homeland. Presenting their very own specially modernized action-packed versions of traditional tried and true Cuban dance forms including salsa, rhumba, cha cha, mambo, and various Afro Caribbean genres, they will introduce you to current urban youth dance culture such as it is today. Traditional Latin dance garb is at times replaced with common everyday street threads such as jean shorts and pants along with sandals for the feet. In addition to the standard choreography one would normally expect to see in a showcase of classic Latin dance genres such as these, the Kings of Salsa have brought their own set of special highly urbanized dance moves to the mix originating from hip hop and what is known as “street salsa” styles. The show was choreographed with a dual purpose in mind, both to honor the well-known, timeless Latin dance standards we all know and love while at the same time bridging the cultural generation gap through hip, now versions of these classics that are highly characteristic of the current Cuban dance scene experienced by today’s Latino youth. This same theme carries through to the music as well. The talented band members of Cuba Ashire, which features a big brassy sound backed up by highly intense rhythms, will bring you the very best renditions of familiar Latin standards, further embellished with a strikingly contemporary modern flair.
The show has received rave reviews that give testimony to its lively and compelling intensity from beginning to end. The audience is ” virtually transported” to the warm sunny Caribbean where they are welcomed by enthusiastic dancers skillfully displaying their exceptional talents via highly sensual, energetic, and complex choreography matched precisely to the music, note-for-note and highlighted with music and dance solos of exceptional quality. Cuba Ahire’s wildly infectious Latin rhythms have one and all moving in their seats with unbridled enthusiasm. The Kings of Salsa music and dance extravaganza is a showstopper to be sure!
Event Details:
When: October 13th – 15th, Thursday – Saturday @ 7:30 OR 8:00 p.m. (2 hour show)
Where: Cutler Majestic Theatre (Emerson College)
Tickets: $65.00, $50.00, & $40.00 (Plus $1.50 restoration fee) (Purchase info)
More Info: Contact
Come Take a Musically Unique and Highly Impassioned Tour of Haitian-Cuban Life, Such as It Was, before the Great Revoution of ’59 with the Creole Choir of Cuba: October 1st, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m.
Ever wonder just how difficult life could get for an impoverished immigrant in a foreign land? Well, get set to hold on to your hat because the Creole Choir of Cuba has come to really tell it like it was with an impassioned and gripping performance that will surly stir your emotions and inspire your senses. This enthusiastic ensemble of 10 vocalists tell their musical tales of hardship and endurance through a series of generally high-spirited inspirational songs and dances originating from Cuba, Haiti, and Dominica. Although there is some use of percussion instruments throughout their performance, the main focus is clearly upon a purely a capella somewhat gospel-like vocal style, that features an ever-present resounding bass-line which serves as a strong musical foundation. This group is known for their effective use of intriguing multi-layered harmonies set to Caribbean style rhythms, further embellished with contemporary Haitian musical touches for added audience appeal. The vast majority of the choir’s repertoire is sung in Creole. Widely spoken in Cuba, the language originated with the African slaves who were brought to the area and developed it through the practice of combining French, English, and Spanish words with those of their own native languages.
Each individual song in the choir’s repertoire is centered on an all important storyline, a little vignette as it were, of some aspect of everyday life in the existence of Haitian-Cuban sugar plantation workers during the late 18th, entire 19th, and mid-Twentieth centuries
. Already brought to Haiti as enslaved Africans, they ultimately fled to Cuba, as a result of intolerable violence due to a Haitian slave revolt, either to continue on as slaves or as immigrants forced to live in little better than slave-like conditions until the Cuban revolution of 1959 freed them from a life wrought with the ill-effects of harsh discrimination. Each and every choir member is a direct descendant of these people, singing the very songs that were sung by their ancestors and directly handed down through generations. Needless to say, this speaks to the authenticity of each and every performance as well as it emotional purity. The group remains steadfast in their mission to effectively communicate the true-to-life stories of their ancestors to the rest of the world through their most passionate music, an endeavor that in recent years has become infinitely more relevant on a personal level as a down swing in the Cuban economy has left much of the present day Haitian-Cuban community, once again sadly, in somewhat of an impoverished state. But the Creole Choir of Cuba stands firm in their faith in the power of music to forever uplift even the most disheartened of spirits, just as it did for their ancestors all those years ago. I, myself, believe in that power as well!
It is on the heals of an extremely well-received performance at the prestigious WOMAD world music festival in the United Kingdom this past summer, that the Creole Choir of Cuba comes to Boston as part of their first US tour. There is no other music ensemble in all of Cuba that matches their unique style. So come to their Boston performance well prepared to be highly educated, truly inspired, and most-of-all musically satisfied.
Event Details:
When: October 1st, Saturday @ 8:00 p.m.
Where: Somerville Theatre (Davis Square)
Tickets: $28.00 (Purchase info)
Online purchase
More Info: 617-876-4275 (Phone)/617-876-9178 (Fax)/
Join Boston’s Global Performing Artists in Their Support of Greener Living: August 18th – 20th (Thursday – Saturday)
Learn how to lead a “greener” more environmentally conscious lifestyle both on a personal level and as a member of your local community at Boston’s annual GreenFest. Sonsored by the Foundaton for a Green Future, Inc. with Mayor Menino’s official stamp of approval, this event is the largest of its kind in its multicultural setting and is geared not only towards teaching the public how to live more efficiently with respect to the usage of our precious natural resources but also how to save money in the process. There’ll be all kinds of ecofriendly products, services, ideas, and info on careers and networking opportunities for festival attendees to explore in the form of workshops, interactive exhibits, demos and presetations, and even games and other kid-friendly activities. A huge highlight of the event will be, of course, the abundant live entertainment taking place continuously on three separate stages. And in keeping with the festival’s multicultural spirit, there are 20+ world music or dance acts included on the entertainment docket! Yes, world music fans.
Here is a list of these participants: Gilda Betancourt (Latin pop), Alex Deros (Latin music), Esencia Latina (Latin music and dance), EcoSalsa Fashion Show
(accompanied by Jambalaya (Afrobeat and Samba music and dance), Samba dancers with Jambalaya musicians on stage with Juanitio Pascual and flamenco dancers, Kina Zori (traditional and contemporary African music from Mozambique and beyond), Capoeira (Brazilian blend of martial arts, sports, and music), Chu Ling Dancers (dances of China and beyond), YMAA Kung Fu demo, Jah-Free-I (reggae), Jahora Belly Dancing, Zili Misik (world fusion), Mamadou (West African and world fusion genres), Tiz Kompa (Haitian music and dance), CV Boys (Afrobeat, Zouk, and more), Offiong Bassey (African jazz, soul, and gospel), Endangered Speeches (reggae and other world genres), Inca Son (Incan folk music and other traditional and contemporary South American genres), Felipe’s Tia (Latin), Native American drumming and dance, Balla Kouyate (West African balafon virtuoso), Los Sugar Kings (Latin & Salsa), Bajucal (Columbian folk dance), Pana (Latin pop/rock), Flamenco Dance Project, Nia (martial arts blended with various dance and exercise movements), and a Bharatnatyam Dancer (classical art form of Southern India).
Check out the GreenFest official web site for more details on event happenings. Now here’s your big chance to find out more on just what greener living is all about. And, as always,whenever you have a large number of world music and dance acts showcased in one convenient location at around the same time, therein lies a fantastic opportunity to discover some new favorites to add to your global entertainment list.
Event Details:
When: August 18th – 20th – (Thurs. Opening Concert – 5:00 – 9:30 p.m.) (Fri. – Noon – 9:30 p.m.) (Sat. – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Where: City Hall Plaza (Downtown Boston)
Admission: Free
More Info: 617-477-4840 or http://bostongreenfest.org/contact.html
Immerse Yourself in a Full Weekend of Latin Music and Latino Culture in Boston’s South End: July 15th – 17th (Friday -Sunday)
Latino culture, on the whole, encompasses a vast number of varied individual ethnic identities. Wouldn’t it be just great to have the adventure of sampling them all in one convenient location in a matter of days? Well, now here’s your chance at the Festival Betances! This event, viewed as New England’s premier festival of its kind, is literally designed to expose the public to the rich
diversity that is Latino culture in one short weekend, jam-packed with ethnic activity in the form of concerts, dance performances, ethnic food, arts and crafts vendors, and other specially created happenings for all ages. And yes, it’s all for free!
Festival Betances, named for renowned Puerto Rican civil rights activist Dr. Ramon Emeterio Betances, is the creation of Inquilinos Beriquas en Accion (IBA). Since its founding in 1968, thanks to the inspiration provided by Dr. Betances, the organization has sponsored a large number of local projects and events, all of which have been aimed at strengthening the Latino community’s presence in and around the Boston area. (See previous post on their Tito Puente Latin Music series) This year’s festival, entitled “I am Villa Victoria”, is in honor of this infamous local Latin cultural center and affordable housing project. The facility stands as one of IBA’s proudest achievements and is considered a historical highpoint in the history of Boston’s urban renewal efforts. Rightfully so, it serves as the site of this annual celebration of Latino culture at its finest.
This years festival welcomes international music stars Larry Harlow and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra as their very special guests.
Larry Harlow (Appearing 7/16 @ 7:30 p.m.) – This 3-time Grammy nominee, originally from Brooklyn, NYC, is considered to be the forefather of the present day salsa style. He introduced both heavy brass instrumentation and the use of the Cuban Bata drum to Afro-Cuban music ensembles in NYC, thus enhancing the dance quality of the genre. He was both pianist and producer for the once renown Fania All-Stars and has since continued to thrive in his solo career.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra (Appearing 7/17 @ 5:30 p.m.) – Founded by Oscar Hernandez, this 13-member all-star ensemble has been going strong for over a decade and is most famous for their truly authentic brand of salsa. The formula for this great success is based upon a steadfast loyalty to the age-old traditions of the music from its very roots. This old-school style has won the band a much coveted Grammy award and is well characterized in their latest release entitled “Viva La Tradicion”.
So what are you waiting for? Here is your big chance to get to know Latin music and Latino culture like never before in all of their wonderful diversity. This festival is sure to be not only entertaining, but highly educational, as well.
Event Details:
When: July 15th – 17th, Friday (4:00 p.m.) – Sunday (9:00 p.m.)
Where – Villa Victoria (South End)
Admission – Free
More Info: 617-927-1707
Bask Yourself in a Delightful Summer Day Chocked Full of Marvelous World Music And Dance Entertainment @ the Dance for World Community Festival: June 11th, Saturday (Noon – 10:00 p.m.)
A crowd of 15,000+ is expected at the 3rd annual Dance for World Community Festival and its easy to see why. This grand indoor/outdoor event, hosted by the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre (see previous post), features dance performances from over 50 troupes from the Boston area and greater New England (about 30% of which represent various foreign cultures from across the globe). And, as an added bonus, there will also be free dance instruction, and a street dance party to end the show. Admission to all of this is entirely free, believe it or not, and the festivities are scheduled to go on- rain or shine . Nonetheless, let’s hope for the latter! Of course, all this ethnically oriented dance activity means there’ll be lots and lots of world music to be heard for everyone’s listening pleasure.
In keeping with the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s steadfast mission of social consciousness, this event was created with the ultimate intention of raising the public’s awareness of the power of dance to motivate positive action aimed at the enhancement of the well-being of our wonderful planet, both within the local community as well as across the world. In recognition of this, some 20+ civic, environmental, cultural, and social service organizations will be on hand to inform festival attendees of the marvelous work they do for the betterment of our greater society. The ballet theatre’s efforts to bring you this magnificent event have been aided by the City of Cambridge, as well as various arts, civic, and social organizations and local businesses.
As far as the details go, there will be 4 stages of simultaneous dance performances going on well into the evening. Here is a list of world dance troupes who will be performing: Fran & Mariale Dance Fusion, Adam Ant Eve Dancers, Benkadi Drum and Dance, Boston Lykeian Ellinidon Greek Folkdance Group, Chu Ling Dance Academy, Deepa Srinath’s Dance Group, Iranian/Persian Dance Arts, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, Krakowiak Polish Dancers of Boston, Marsha Parilla/Danza Organica, Moves & Vibes Dance Co., Navarasa Dance Theater, Neena Gulati & the Triveni Ensemble, Ritmo en Accion, Hyde Square Task Force, Salsa y Control Dance Company, Salsa Matei Dance School, Snake Dance Theatre Company, Xuxhipilli Mexican Folkloric Ballet, African Community Education Program, and Anikai Dance. You can check out the official performer’s list as well as a full schedule in order to get the total picture of all the diverse dance entertainment which will be featured at this one huge event. And as if all this isn’t enough, the dance classes which are geared towards beginners of various ages cover a wide variety of dance genres. Ethnically speaking this includes: West African, Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Salsa, Bachata, Chinese, Afro-Haitian, Forro, Zouk, and other Brazilian dance forms, Tango Flow, Greek, and South Indian. Here’s your chance now to tryout that new dance you’ve been curious about. But don’t use up all of your energy just yet, because closing out the day, in grand fashion, will be the popular Latin ensemble Ten Tumbao for everybody’s dancing pleasure. Yay! More world music to keep the party going. So, if you’re searching for a local outdoor festival that provides plenty of world music entertainment, the Dance for World Community Festival is the place to be. So much world music and dance activity to partake of, all in one place- it definitely doesn’t get much better than this!!!
“Talk About Dance” – Want to get more involved in the promotion of dance as an effective instrument of positive societal change? Then come on out on Sunday to this enlightening seminar where you can not only listen to others ideas, but share your own as well. View the newsletter from last year’s discussion here. (See further event details below)
Event Details:
When: Festival: June 11th, Saturday (12:00 – 10:00 p.m.)
Seminar: June 12th, Sunday (2:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre (Harvard Square)
Admission: Free
More Info: 617-354-7467 ( Monday – Friday – 9-5)
Spend an Enchanted Evening at a Real Live Argentine Tango Cafe- Right Here In Boston’s Own South End: June 7th, Tuesday (8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.)
Ever wonder what an evening out at an Argentine tango cafe would be like? Well, come discover the answer at the first ever Tango Cafe: a Night in Buenos Aires. For one special night the Beehive will be transformed into a real live tango cafe, complete with professional dance performances throughout the evening to the sounds of The Beehive Tango Orchestra. These talented musicians and dancers from Boston’s Longy School of Music will make you feel as if you have actually traveled to Argentina for the evening! What fun indeed.
In addition to all of this fine ethnic music and dance, guests will also have an opportunity to sample some Argentinean inspired cuisine as well. Native offerings include empanadas (bread or pastry dough containing meat, vegetables, or fruit fillings) and gaucho steak accompanied by Chimichurri sauce (a mixture of parsley, garlic, vegetable or olive oil, white or red vinegar, and red pepper flakes). The Beehive will be serving their regular menu throughout the evening as well. Drink specials, or “libations” as they are called in Argentina, will be offered all evening long, many of which will serve to highlight the Milagro tequilas, one of the regions finest labels. Reservations are highly recommended for this event, so I think it is indeed safe to say that this should prove to be a popular choice for a highly entertaining evening out on the town in “Buenos Aires, Massachusetts”.
Event Details:
When: June 7th, Tuesday (8:00 p.m. – Midnight)
Food will be served (5:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.)
Where: The Beehive (South End)
Admission: No cover listed
More Info: 617-423-0069
Honor the Cultural Heritage of Cuba with the Jose Mateo Ballet: May 19th, Thursday @ 8:00 p.m.
I know this is a last-minute posting, but the Jose Mateo 
Ballet’s Cubania! has sold out 3 nights of performances already- a very good indication that this event is a sure bet if your Thursday evening is still open. What helps to make this particular show so special is that it marks the finale of the company’s 25th anniversary season! Artistic director and choreographer Mateo, a long-time Cuban-American, has chosen to mark this momentous occasion with programs set to the music of his native homeland which portrays aspects of the Cuba’s cultural heritage, sadly still, on the whole, largely unfamiliar to Americans in general.
The show features three individual programs, including two popular numbers from a previous season and a world premier. Ayer Pasado (The Day Before Yesterday) showcases the music of one of Cuba’s foremost composers, Manuel Saumeli. His classical style is a fusion of European, African, and Latin elements. The number features rising star Madeleine Bonn in a dramatically gutsy performance as a loner in desperate search of companionship, ultimately standing as a symbol
of isolation from a broader political perspective. Escape, based also on a politically charged theme, depicts the individual’s struggle against authoritarian forces. Set to the music of Leo Brouwer, it stars Angie DeWolf and Mark Kehlet Schou, showcasing intriguing dance lifts and carries. The world premier, Pagano y No (Pagan or Not), is choreographed to the music of Aruan Ortiz, which is a compelling combination of the modernistic classical and Afro-Cuban jazz genres. The piece contains ample moments of high drama as well as comedy, however, it does not carry a distinct story-line nor does it send a politically oriented message to the audience as do its counterparts. Aside from an opening solo danced by August Lincoln Pogzay, this is a powerful ensemble number displaying intense choreography designed to match the character of the music perfectly.
Under the direction of its founder and renowned choreographer, the Jose Mateo Ballet company has earned a reputation for delivering highly innovative modernized performances of both original and pre-existing works which represent a variety of cultures and are of universal appeal to their audiences. Mateo‘s works have made the list of the Boston Globe’s annual “10 Best Dance Events” no less than 7 times! Now’s your chance to see why, Thursday night at the company’s exciting performance of Cubania!
Event Details:
When: May 19th, Thursday @ 8:00 p.m.
Where: Sanctuary Theatre (Cambridge)
Tickets: $38.00
Tickets are extremely limited! Call the number below and ask for Lori Manzelli
More Info: 617-354-7467
Lend a Helping Hand to Japan While Enjoying an Afternoon of Top-Notch Belly Dancing: May 22nd, Sunday (3:00 – 5:30 p.m.)
Boston’s belly dancing community is holding a benefit performance for the earthquake/tsunami victims of Japan and you can help. Just come on out to the show where you will enjoy, raffles, refreshment vendors, open participatory dance sessions, and of course … lots and lots of fantastic belly dance entertainment! All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross for Japan. Performers for the afternoon will include:
Phaedra of Boston – Dancing since 1976, she was a dancer/choreographer for 12 years with the Near East Dance Theatre which she co-founded. She has performed nation-wide, appeared in videos and on cds, and has also published a teaching book. Once featured in the Legends of Boston photo shoot, she currently teaches in the area. (Read on) (Video)
Aurel – Known for the expressive musicality present her dance performances, she also enjoys a professional singing career which has led to solo performances both nationally and abroad. She danced in honor of the opening of Boston’s Intercontinental Hotel and has also appeared at the Arabic Hafli event at Foxwoods Casino. She currently heads the belly dance program at Ancient Art Studios where she teaches and produces shows. (Read on) (Photos)
Najmat – This Egyptian-style dancer of Brazilian heritage is known for her dramatic style which is highlighted by her note-worthy interpretations of drum solos. Currently teaching in the Boston area, she views the art of Middle Eastern dance as a source of feminine strength and empowerment. (Read on) (Video)
Mirza Troupe – Representing the World Lebanese Cultural
Union, this 25 member male/female troupe consists of both dancers and accompanying drummers. Under the leadership of artistic director/choreographer Shadia Tohme, a former professional dance and teacher for over 35 years, they perform a wide range of folk and contemporary dances from Lebanon, Greece, Egypt, North Africa, and Turkey. (Read on) (Video)
Jemileh – Like her professional colleague Najmat, she too is noted for a highly emotional dancing style highlighted by note-worthy interpretations of drum solos. Performing and competing since age 12, she now specializes in Arabic and Turkish belly dancing. Her additional interest in the Tribal Fusion genre led to the formation of the local troupe Tribal Storm. A frequent performer at the infamous belly dance mecca, The Middle East Restaurant, she also teaches around the area. (Read on) (Video)
Rianna – She has diligently studied a variety of dance genres for over 15 years including, acrobatics, jazz, ballet, Polynesian, Hip Hop, Irish Ceili, and Greek folk. Subsequently, she has managed to blend each and every one into her own unique style of belly dancing which is truly one of a kind. (Read on) (Photos)
Alizah Afet – A performer and teacher of Middle Eastern dance for 15 years, she was formally with Goddess Dancing and has also performed with the Blue Moon Zar Gypsies and Big Moves Boston. Visit her very informative website, Belly Dance New England (see previous post) an online magazine listing current Middle Eastern dance happenings and other related local tidbits. As a true enthusiast of local belly dance history, she is the co-producer of a documentary on the subject entitled Aziza! (Read on – Scroll down page) (Clips from Aziza)
Celia – Though she dances with high energy, this performer is still able to bring a distinctive element of grace to her performance as well. She will entertain you in this rather unique style with the zills (finger symbols, veil, hula hoop, and sword. She has served as a choreographer for the Bellybeat Dance Company and currently is a regular performer at area restaurants. (Read on) (Video)
Sabaya – (Video)
Zameena Asmar – (Video)
… and more. All in all, this definitely looks to be a great show for a great cause!
Event Details:
When: May 22nd, Sunday (3:00 – 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Arlington Elks Lodge
Tickets: $20.00
More Info / Purchase Tickets: 617-642-0999 / benifitforJapan@gmail.com
Experience Premier Afrobeat as Femi Kuti and The Positive Force Come to Boston: April 21st, Thursday (8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.)
Listen to Femi Kuti.
Heralded as “one of the true giants of African music” by Q Magazine, Afrobeat star Femi Kuti and his band The Positive Force will be coming to Boston to promote their latest cd release “Africa for Africa”. This is an especially timely appearance as “Fela fever” is taking the world by storm. Femi is the eldest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti who’s artistic greatness is currently being honored internationally, not only in the form of the highly successful broadway musical Fela!, but other monumental forms of recognition, as well. Joining Femi and his band, thus adding to this powerful sound energy, will be local Afropop favorite the Uhuru Afrika Dancefloor Explosion DJ Show.
A two-time Grammy nominee in his own right, Femi has never been satisfied with resting on his father’s laurels, and as a result has developed his very own bold yet sophisticated and monumentally successful trademark style. Starting out at the age of 15 he was a member of his father’s bands, but by the mid 80’s had begun to make his own original musical statement with the formation of his own new band The Positive Force. The decade of the 90s saw his emergence into a style of Afrobeat that was truly “Femi” culminating in the release of a solo cd Shoki,
Shoki. His style then continued to develop, even showing influences of American hip hop. Then finally in 2008 he recorded his most successful release yet “Day By Day”. However, it remains to be seen if his latest release “Africa for Africa” will top this one. Femi’s main inspiration for this particular recording comes from a desire to artistically recapture some of the flavor of the good old days when he was producing records with his father. In order to successfully accomplish this he returned to the very same old studio back home in Lagos, now virtually run down, where they once recorded together with the band. It is here that he hopes to have produced a sound reminiscent of the original Afrobeat, just as it was in the beginning.
Femi still stoically shares his late father’s distinctly anti-government views with respect to the current leadership not only in his homeland of Nigeria , but also parts of the rest of the African continent, as well. In keeping with this political legacy, he continues to manage Fela’s infamous nightclub “The Shrine” with his older sister Yeni and performs there on a regular basis. Now however, dubbed “The New Shrine”, as the old one was destroyed in a violent raid by government soldiers, it still unfortunately plays host to regular intrusions at the hands of the nation’s leaders who have closed it down on numerous occasions, fortunately not for long though! If you happen to catch Femi’s appearance at the Paradise Rock Club, you’ll not only be treated to first-rate Afrobeat music, but you will also most surly catch some of that feisty, fiery Kuti spirit as well…As they say at “The New Shrine”- Yeah! Yeah!
Event Details:
When: April 21st, Thursday (8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.)
Where: Paradise Rock Club (Allston/Brighton)
Tickets: $25.00 (In Advance)
More Info: 617-562-8800
World Music Boston 