Thursday, July 29: Vieux Farka Touré @ MetroTech Center

Vieux Farka Touré

Part of BAM's Rhythm & Blues Festival at MetroTech

Thu, Jul 29 at 12noon

"The son and torchbearer of West African musical icon Ali Farka Touré, Malian guitarist and singer Vieux Farka Touré has more than filled his father’s shoes, concocting his own hybrid style that radiates with “joyful audacity” (The New York Times). With an exuberant guitar sound perched perfectly between the blistering, desert-bred twang of the West African kora and the electric distortion of Chicago blues, Touré’s music is a study in seamless musical crossbreeding, born of both urban grit and blue Sahara skies."

MetroTech Commons
Free!

Info: Bam

Wednesday, July 21: Somi with John Ellise & Double-Wide @ Madison Square Park

SOMI with John Ellis & Double-Wide

Somi’s most recent recording is as much a testament of her global citizenship as it is of her musical poise. If The Rain Comes First (ObliqSound) was recorded in Paris, sung in English and three East African languages, and calls on an ensemble of greats including Hugh Masekela and David Gilmore. Often compared to Nina Simone and Diane Reeves, and described as “all elegance and awe” by Billboard.com, Somi brings a magical, captivating presence to the stage.

John Ellis & Double Wide open the night with music from Puppet Mischief (Obliqsound), The group features a hip blend of unorthodox jazz instrumentation for a carnival of high-flying tunes."

July 21, 6:00 pm

Info: Madison Square Park

Ongoing Exhibit and Saturday Artist Talk: Ain’t I A Woman @ MoCADA

Ain’t I A Woman

Curated by Kimberli Gant – MoCADA Director of Exhibitions
July 15 – December 19, 2010

"This group exhibition offers contemporary artistic depictions of women of African descent, focusing specifically on their interiority. Rather than examining women through the objectivity of their bodies, the artists portray African Diasporan women as active participants in their own visual representations. Ain’t I A Woman features works in painting, video, installation and mixed media by damali abrams, Eric Alugas, Kimberly Becoat, Priscila De Carvalho, Andrea Chung, Elizabeth Colomba, William Mwazi, Kenya (Robinson), Phoenix Savage and Francis Simeni.

Taking its title from the 1885 speech given by orator and activist Sojourner Truth, this exhibition attempts to move the conversation toward the intellectual, emotional and spiritual components in the lives of women of African descent. In addition, each featured artist is paired with an African female poet, selected from The Heinemann Book of African Women’s Poetry, who uses their literary works as inspiration."

Artist Talk: Saturday, July 17 @ 2:00pm

Info: MoCADA

Every Sunday in Prospect Park: African Drumming and Vendor's Market

Drumming in Prospect Park!

"Drummers have gathered in this welcoming corner of Prospect Park for over 30 years. It is difficult to pass by the Drummer’s Grove on a Sunday afternoon without being lured by the irresistible rhythm, the vibrant dancers, and the celebratory atmosphere that pervades the air.

In 1968, the Congo Square Drummers began gathering here informally. Since then, the circle has expanded to include an ever-evolving mix of musicians, dancers, and vendors. The growing popularity of this area as a site for a weekly drumming circle inspired the Prospect Park Alliance to add seating and officially name the site. Anyone is free to bring their drums and participate, or just stop and listen while passing by on the East Drive.

The Drummer’s Grove was a part of a $1 million renovation of the Parkside Avenue/Ocean Avenue entrance to the Park that occurred in 1997. This project included new pavement, annual flower beds, asphalt paths, and a new Rustic Shelter next to the Lake."

April through October, every Sunday, 2 p.m. - dusk.

Info: Drummer's Grove

Saturday, July 17: African Festival with Konono No. 1 @ Celebrate Brooklyn

African Festival with Konono No. 1, Omar Pene & Super Diamono, Chiwoniso, Meta & the Cornerstones and Djarara

"Our annual celebration of African music, food and culture builds to an ecstatic crescendo with the distortion-fueled trance music of Congolese thumb-piano wizards Konono No. 1. Dakar heavyweights Omar Pene & Super Diamono, seminal figures in the birth of the modern Senegalese sound, add a jolt of energy to the proceedings, while the distinctive voice of Zimbabwean Afro-soul diva Chiwoniso, the pan-African reggae of Meta & The Cornerstones, and the festival horns and drums from Haiti’s Djarara bring other unique flavors to the day."

CELEBRATE BROOKLYN! @ Prospect Park Bandshell
July 17, 2010
2:00 PM-9:00 PM
Gates open at 1:00pm

Info: BRIC Arts

Reminder: July Rundown! City Parks Concerts Across NYC

Don't forget about the Summer Stage Shows and City Parks sponsored events across NYC this month! July includes performances by EPMD, Seewe African Dance Company, Raphael Saadiq, Pharoahe Monch, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and much more!

NYC What's Poppin'?: July Rundown! City Parks Concerts Across NYC

Sundays in Central Park: Harlem Meer Performance Festival

Harlem Meer Performance Festival

Sundays, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Inside the Park on 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues.

This event repeats every week on Sunday between 6/20/2010 and 9/5/2010.

This summer, join the Central Park Conservancy each Sunday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for lakeside music at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in Central Park's beautiful northern end.

"The Conservancy's Harlem Meer Performance Festival features the best in local established and emerging artists in the genres of jazz, Latin, gospel and world music. Some chairs are provided, or bring a blanket and picnic lunch to enjoy the music from one of the Park's nearby lawns. No advance registration. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be canceled."

July 11: Retumba (Pan-Caribbean)
July 18: Harlem Blues & Jazz Band (Blues and Jazz)
July 25: Vanderlei Pereira and Blindfold Test (Brazilian Jazz) In the Conservatory Garden
August 1: Susan Pereira and Sabor Brasil (Brazilian Jazz)
August 8: Something Positive (Afro-Caribbean Dance and Music) Includes dance performance
August 15: Sumba Swing (Latin Jazz)
August 22: Dja Rara (Afro-Haitian)
August 29: Cocomama (Cuban Salsa)
September 5: Sounds of Deliverance (Gospel)

Info: New York City Department of Parks & Recreation

Sunday July 11: OkayAfrica with The Roots and Talib Kweli @ Celebrate Brooklyn

OkayAfrica with The Roots and Talib Kweli
ft Sahr Ngaujah, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew, Blitz the Ambassador and more

"The Roots headline the OkayAfrica World Cup 2010 Finals party to celebrate the first time in its 80-year history the tournament will take place on African soil. With a kick-off by Sahr Ngaujah, the star of the hit Broadway musical Fela!, the show features performances by artists from all corners of the Diaspora, including host Talib Kweli (Brooklyn), Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew (Sierra Leone), Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), and many others to be announced."

CELEBRATE BROOKLYN! @ Prospect Park Bandshell
July 11, 2010
4:00 PM
Gates open at 3:00pm

Info: BRIC Arts

Thursday, July 8: Summer of Music ft Afro-Haitian Jazz and film, "I Bring What I Love" @ Morningside Park

SUMMER OF MUSIC @ Morningside Park Lower Lawn
Enter From Morningside Ave at 114th Street

Jazzmobile Presents: Afro-Haitian Jazz with Buyu Ambroise
& "I Bring What I Love" (film)

"Senegalese pop sensation Youssou Ndour has spent the last 20 years in the spotlight as a world-renowned musician and the iconic representative “voice of Africa.” At the height of his career, Youssou became frustrated by the negative perception of his Muslim faith and composed Egypt, a deeply spiritual album dedicated to a more tolerant view of Islam. The album’s brave musical message was wholeheartedly embraced by Western audiences but ignited serious religious controversy in his homeland of Senegal. The film chronicles the difficult journey Youssou must undertake to assume his true calling."

Brought to you by the Maysles Cinema, Target ®, and the Historic Harlem Parks Coalition

Info: MAYSLES INSTITUTE

Wednesday, July 7: Concert for Uganda @ Highline Ballroom

Concert For Uganda: featuring The Kin, Dan Torres, & Caleb Hawley

"LEAD Uganda is unique in its approach to improving the situation in Uganda. By using an African, not Western, approach, the children are taught skills to help them change the future. Instead of creating a dependency, the children are taught how to improve their country with their own ambitions and skills. This August, a group of 14 volunteers are traveling to Uganda to assist LEAD Uganda in its mission to mold these children into leaders. Not only will they be helping the kids to reach their full potential, they are helping Uganda to break the cycle of dependency on foreign aid and leadership.

This benefit will help the team of volunteers raise money for this trip, as well as awareness of the troubles Uganda are currently facing. If you would like to learn more on how to help this wonderful organization, please visit www.leaduganda.org."

July 7,2010
Concert starts @ 7:30PM
Doors open @ 6PM
Tickets $12.00 in advance
$15.00 day of show.

Info: Highline

July 2-4: International African Arts Festival at Commodore Barry Park

"The 39th Annual International African Arts Festival (IAAF) begins Friday, July 2nd and runs through Monday, July 5th, from 10:00am until 9:00pm each day at the beautiful Commodore Barry Park, Park Avenue and Navy Street downtown Brooklyn, New York.

Festival-goers will gather each day to enjoy live music, dance, spoken word performances, a bustling traditional African marketplace, showcase performances and fashion and natural-hair shows. Children of all ages can safely enjoy an arts-and-crafts zone, storytelling, clowns, and our Youth Talent Search. Commodore Barry Park is a large, green site that offers grass and shade, a swimming pool, playground, basketball and other park activities. This year's highlights include: Rwandan songstress Somi; the ARTCURIAN Arts & Crafts Zone; the Festival Parade; African Dance Workshops and the Black Inventions Exhibit. The open-air African Marketplace continues to welcome visitors to a host of unique shopping options, entertainment and delicious global cuisine."

For further information call (718) 638-6700 or log onto www.iaafestival.org.

Info: BSN

July Rundown! City Parks Concerts Across NYC

SummerStage Theater

American Schemes by Radha Blank, Directed by Charlotte L. Brathwaite

When: Friday, July 2, 2010 at 8:00PM and Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 8:00PM at St. Mary’s Park and Friday, July 9, 2010 at 8:00PM at Crotona Park and Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 8:00PM

City Parks Foundation’s specially commissioned play, American Schemes delves into and explores the enigma of obtaining the American Dream.

SummerStage Music
NYC Revolutions Series: EPMD and Funkmaster Flex, Presented in Association with Globe Star Media
When: Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Queensbridge Park

Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith of EPMD are famed as one of the breakthrough bands of the 1980’s NYC hip hop revolution.

SummerStage Dance
Seewe African Dance Company and Balafrohop
When: Friday, July 16, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Queensbridge Park

Seewe African Dance Company uses traditional African instruments such as the Bote, the Krin, the Balaphone and the Djembe orchestra, to accompany its high-energy performances that emphasize traditional African rhythms. The BalAfroHop Project fuses traditional ballet, African and hip-hop dance techniques with live drummers, DJs and music to create a show that exemplifies dance genres from around the world.

SummerStage Music
A Celebration of Giant Step's 20th Anniversary: Raphael Saadiq, Aloe Blacc, and Special Guests
When: Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage

Award-winning songwriting/producer/performer Raphael Saadiq brings new meaning to old soul.

SummerStage Music
Pharoahe Monch, Hosted by Danny Castro of Lyricist Lounge
When: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Queensbridge Park

Pharoahe Monch is one of underground hip-hop’s pre-eminent lyricists, crafting intricate and intelligent rhymes and having the ability to match them to the beats rolling off the turntables.

SummerStage Theater
"blood pudding" by Sharon Bridgforth, Directed by Baraka de Soleil
When: Friday, July 23, 2010 at 8:00PM and Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 8:00PM
Where: Springfield Park

blood pudding explores the history of Black people in New Orleans through a magical layering of theater, dance and song.



SummerStage Dance
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
When: Friday, July 23, 2010 at 8:00PM and Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 8:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage

The world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to SummerStage for a weekend of cutting edge dance performances.

SummerStage Music
Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Burkina Electric, Fool's Gold, and DJ Frank of Voodoo funk
When: Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage

An inside look into the past, present and future of West African music.




SummerStage Dance
Creative Outlet Dance Theatre and Kyle Abraham/ Abraham.In.Motion
When: Friday, July 30, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Jackie Robinson Park

Marrying modern and classical technique with African-American soul and spirit, Creative Outlet Dance Theatre creates dance pieces that captivate viewers. Abraham.In.Motion’s eclectic, pure energy dance arrangements will keep the audience enthralled.

SummerStage Dance
Earl Moseley's Institute of the Arts and Michael Leon Thomas' Motion Theater Lab
When: Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Jackie Robinson Park

Join Earl Moseley's highly acclaimed Institute of the Arts star dancers as they perform works grounded in ballet, modern, African, hip-hop, jazz and tap.Motion Theatre Lab will premiere their newest piece, Aquarius Rising to the sounds of classic underground dance music.

Info: SummerStage

Last Chance to Catch Studio Museum Exhibits: VidéoStudio: New Work from France @ The Studio Museum in Harlem

**Free museum admission on Sundays!**

VidéoStudio: New Work from France
April 1, 2010–June 27, 2010

"In a trio of month-long programs, the Studio Museum presents the work of three North African artists—Yto Barrada, Bouchra Khalili and Djamel Kokene—who were born or currently live in France. While these artists emerge from a specific Afro-European context, the exhibition brings together work that considers “France”—and the very idea of the nation—as a concept rather than a stable category. Together their work encourages us to consider the relationship between individuals and the state; culture and the law; and identity and modes of representation. VidéoStudio: New Work from France is the second installment of VideoStudio, an ongoing series of video art."

Info: The Studio Museum in Harlem

Reminder: June Summer Shows

**Here are the rest of the best JUNE City Parks shows happening in Manhattan, the Bronx, and beautiful Brooklyn. Enjoy!**

Summerstage Dance: Rennie Harris RHAW and Le Soul Afrique with Special Guest Akim Funk Buddha
When: Friday, June 25, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: St. Mary’s Park , Bronx

Rennie Harris RHAW showcases the newest up and coming faces in hip-hop street dance. Acting as a global hip-hop collective of dancers, MCs and vocalists, Le Soul Afrique is not just a dance company, but a dance and music powerhouse.

SummerStage Dance: Abakua Afro-Latin Dance Company and Areytos Performance Works
When: Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: St. Mary’s Park, Bronx “ABAKUá Afro-Latin Dance Company’s use of pounding, dynamic rhythms and dramatic dance movements meshes Latin rhythmic styles with African beats.”

SummerStage Music: Tinariwen, Omar Souleyman, Toubab Krewe
When: Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage
Energizing rock rhythms and unexpected up-tempo dance beats from Africa and the Middle East will make you rethink party music.

SummerStage Music: Gil Scott-Heron
When: Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage
The godfather of hip-hop and neo soul performs classics and music from his first new album in over fifteen years.

SummerStage Music: Definitely Poetry: Daniel Bernard Roumain with special guests Emeline Michel, Erol Josué, Cave Canem Poets: Gina Dorcely, Gregory Pardlo and Mervyn Taylor
When: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage

Innovative, cutting-edge poets and musicians with a special eye to the art of Haiti.

SummerStage Music: Nuyorican Poets Café
When: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage

The multicultural, multi-arts institution showcases new work from rising poets, actors, filmmakers and musicians.

SummerStage Music: DJ Kool Herc
When: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Bronx, TBD
DJ Kool Herc’s creation of breaks and sampling has paved the way for hip hop music as we know it.

Info: NYC What's Poppin'?: Summer Shows:

Thursday, June 24: Food, Music and Drinks @ Le Grand Dakar

"Le Grand Dakar is throwing a celebration on Thursday, June 24. Attendees will enjoy unlimited food/sangria and live Afrobeat music, including Jojo Kuo’s band (he’s a Cameroonian drummer who recorded with Fela back in the day). Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Sounds like a good way to spend a summer evening, and support a local business on Grand Avenue."

Info: ClintonHillBlog

Now through Aug 6: Life After Death: An Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti (Exhibition) @ CCCADI

"Life After Death: An Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti Exhibition

Presented by: Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute

On View: June 11 – August 6, 2010

"This exhibition seeks to pay tribute to one of the African Diaspora’s most influential living ancestors as well as critique the complexity of his persona. Life After Death: A Multi-Media Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a visual homage to a musical genius and perhaps one of contemporary history’s most powerful protest artists.

Also including never before seen photography of Fela in '77 during FESTAC and at the Shrine with individuals such as Haki Madhubiti shot by Marilyn Nance."

Public Programming:
6.19 Center Saturdays: Music No Get Enemy | 1 p.m.
6.20 Fela’s Funk and Trunk Shopping Extravaganza | 3 – 8 p.m.
6.29 Artist Talk | 6:30 p.m.
7.18 Gallery Tour and FELA! On Broadway |
7.20 Film Screening: Music is the Weapon | 6: 30 p.m.

Marketing and Programmatic Partners include:
FELA! on Broadway and Society HAE

Fore More Information:
Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporan Institute (CCCADI): 212.307.7420 | www.cccadi.org
RSVP – slewis@cccadi.org or 212.307.7420 ext. 2008

Info: SOCIETY HAE

June 19-26: Celebrate Brooklyn’s African Diaspora: Soul of Brooklyn Launch Week

Celebrate Brooklyn’s African Diaspora: Soul of Brooklyn Launch Week

Get involved with Brooklyn’s rich culture at these week-long festivities beginning Friday, June 18 and ending Saturday, June 26:

Friday, June 18: Soul of Brooklyn Launch Party

Saturday, June 19: 10th Annual Juneteenth Arts Festival Cooperative Culture Collective

Sunday, June 20: African Diaspora Walking Tour of Fort Greene & Brunch, The Best of Brooklyn Inside Out Walking Tour

Monday, June 21: Make Music New York! Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA)

Monday, June 21: 1st Anniversary Summer Solstice at Adriala Gallery

Tuesday, June 22: Restaurant Night in Fort Greene
Participating Restaurants: Madiba Restaurant, EN Restaurant and Bar and Bati

Wednesday, June 23: Carol’s Daughter Mini Facial Event

Thursday, June 24: ART, MUSIC, WINE & FASHION in BED-STUY

Friday, June 25: Poets respond to “Artists Speaking for the Spirits” Part Two

Saturday, June 26: Fort Greene Festival

Info: Brooklyn Exposed

Sat, June 19: Juneteenth Celebration at 227 Abolitionist Place

"The Abolitionist Museum hosts an annual Juneteenth Celebration, recognizing the June 19th Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which gave African-American slaves their freedom. The evening of celebration at this historic site, where abolitionists once lived and hid African-Americans, features Shawné Lee’s spiritual healing performance; Indoda Entsha, West African drumming group directed by E. Preston Riddick; and Michael Hooper of Roots Revisited. Great food, too!"

$10 (includes food). Purchase tickets at door.

Presented by Friends of 227 Abolitionist Place with support from BAC.

Contact: 227abolitionistplace.org

WHEN: Saturday, June 19, 8 pm–midnight (Rain date: June 20)
WHERE: 227 Duffield St. (Downtown Brooklyn)

Info: Brooklyn Arts Council

Reminder! Free June Summer Shows

*Just a reminder for upcoming City Parks sponsored shows! *

SummerStage Music: Big Daddy Kane with DJ Jon Quick
When: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Herbert Von King Park, Brooklyn
Big Daddy Kane’s baritone voice and rapid-fire rap style has secured him a place as one of hip hop’s most influential, successful and lasting MCs.

SummerStage Theater: The Etymology Of Bird by Zakiyyah Alexander, Directed by Jade King-Carroll
When: Friday-Saturday, June 18-19, 2010 at 8:00PM
Where: Betsy Head Memorial Playground, Brooklyn
The Etymology of Bird delves into the Brooklyn, NY and explores questions on race relations, criminal justice, family life, love, fear, stereotypes, and hard choices seen through the eyes of various people.

SummerStage Music: NYC Pride Rally featuring Me’Shell Ndegéocello , Martha Wash, The New York Gay Men’s Chorus, Vickie Shaw, Billie Myers, Bruce Vilanch and more
When: Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 4:00PMWhere: Central Park/MainstageStrength, virtuosity and joyous revelry reflect the diversity of the LGBT community and the lineup of this incredible evening’s entertainment.

SummerStage Music: Fecircte De La Musique / Make Music NY Celebration: Salif Keita, Tabou Combo, Lo’Jo
When: Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 3:00PM
Where: Central Park/Mainstage
Iconic innovators from Mali and Haiti set the standards for global celebratory music, and are joined by the next generation of international visionaries.

Info: NYC What's Poppin'?: Summer Shows

June 18: SoulofBrooklyn.com Launch Party at MoCADA

"SoulofBrooklyn.com is your quintessential online and printed guide to discovering the unique cultural and business renaissance currently taking place within Brooklyn’s African Diaspora. In a city increasingly besieged by corporate chains and rampant development, SoulofBrooklyn.com’s goal is to promote neighborhood businesses, cultural institutions and special events that reflect the borough’s vibrant roots and contribute to the growth of stronger communities. Through advertising, cross-promotions and increase their bottom-line. SoulofBrooklyn.com is a reliable information hub for tourist and locals alike who want to locate and experience the amazing fusion of African, African-American and Caribbean cultural and business exchanges that can only happen in the great borough of Brooklyn."

Featuring music, food, vendors, art, and special performance by Blitz the Ambassador!

7pm-11pm
Free

Info: LuxuriousPROTOTYPE