The AfroFolk Series retuns to Chicago. The AfroFolk Series is a free concert series that presents the music, dance and culture of Africa and the African Diaspora. This program is currently being presented at The Old Town School of Folk Music. The series takes placeevery Wednesday from November 7th to December 12th 8:30 to 10:30 PM at Where: The Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Thomas Mapfumo
Thomas Mapfumo, "The Lion of Zimbabwe" is one of the best-known African artists on the world music scene today. He successfully introduced the traditional sacred music of the metal-pronged Mbira and Ngoma drumming into the mainstream through his music. Known for championing African culture and causes, Thomas Mapfumo has been a driving force in African pride and identity.Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Ubala y sus Rolass
In recognition of Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th, we present one of the greatest artists in Honduran Garifuna music, Ubala was the voice of Los Rolands, one of Honduras’ most celebrated dance bands, for 18 years. This Afro-Latin event promises high-energy dance music with a good dose of Garifuna culture. This Afro culture of Central America, numbering only 400,000 worldwide, is unique in the Americas having preserved intact African traditions in religion, music and dance. The Garifuna transformed one of their traditional rhythms, Punta, into a popular dance style across Latin America.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007. 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Tifane
Tifane is a Haitian performer of the highest caliber. As a university student in Chicago, she performed briefly with local band Tchaka as a singer and dancer. She returned to Haiti to begin working in her profession in Criminal Justice but was inextricably drawn back into the world of music. She was honored in Haiti as "Revelation of the Year" in 2005 and then "Best Female Singer" in 2006 by Musique en Folie and the Hatian Entertainment Awards. As a recording artist, she has had several hit songs and videos and has toured the Caribbean and Europe. Don’t miss her return to Chicago with an all-star Haitian band. Artist link: http://myspace.com/tifaneonline
Wednesday, November 28, 2007, 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Stella Chiweshe and Tony Cox
Here is a spectacular double bill from two Zimbabwean masters performing solo. Stella Chiweshe "The Queen of Mbira" is an internationally recognized singer and musician who has been performing and recording Mbira for more than 35 years and is considered a cultural ambassador of Zimbabwe. She began when Zimbabwe was still a Rhodesian colony and playing the Mbira was punishable by imprisonment. Her solo work is deeply meditative and demonstrates how this unique instrument can somehow represent bass, rhythm lead guitars, drums combined. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in South Africa, multiple award-winning acoustic guitarist, Tony Cox is making his Chicago debut on the heels of a 23 theatre tour of Canada. His solo style reflects the multi-textured rhythms and facets of the rich, indigenous music of his upbringing and surroundings. Artist links: www.stellachiweshe.com/ and www.tonycox.co.za
Wednesday, December 5, 2007, 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Dr. Lena McLin and The McLin Singers
Dr. Lena McLin is one Chicago’s most renowned African American musicians, teachers and composers known for launching the careers of many of Chicago’s shining stars. In this holiday special, Dr. McLin and The McLin Singers will present an array of spirituals and gospel in the Chicago tradition featuring a full chorus and noted soloists.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Asiko Afrobeat Ensemble
New York City based Asiko, is a 13-piece spiritual afro-ensemble making its Chicago debut. Asiko was formed in 2003 by the multi-talented singer, designer and percussionist Foly Kolade. Originally from Ogidi, Nigeria, Foly has trained and performed with Roy Ayers, Mariam Makeba and George Benson in Nigeria and New York. Asiko Afrobeat Ensemble is the musical expression of a diverse group of musicians and influences melding Highlife, Soukous, Afrobeat and Samba with Funk and Soul. Their powerful performances have moved audiences across the Northeast, and earned them the 2006 Nigerian Entertainment Award for "Best Afro-pop Group. Artist Link: www.asikomusic.com
These concerts are free, ticketed events. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 773-728-6000 or visit Afrofolk.org. Suggested donation of $5.
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
