February 8, 2013 9:30 PM PhillyBloco Philadelphia Carnaval Bash

Philadelphia Carnaval Bash
Friday, February 8th
The Blockley


Doors 8:00pm / Show 9:30pm
Tickets: $12 /$15 (adv/door)
Ages: 21+

The Blockley
3801 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.222.1234

February 2, 2013 8:00 PM Conjunto Philadelphia at World Cafe Live PHL

Conjunto Philadelphia is a musical ensemble based in the Philadelphia area performing the music of Pre-Revolutionary Cuba. The group's main aspiration is to maintain the authenticity of the music while performing it in a way that pays homage to Cuba's deep and treasured musical history. Genres include Son, Cha-cha-chá, Bolero, and Danzón. Artist Website Saturday, February 2nd, 2013 Show 9 pm | Upstairs Live Tickets: $12 + processing fees

January 28, 2013 8:00-11:00 PM Papo Gely at Chris' Jazz Cafe

Papo "Forajido" Gely plays Latin Fiesta music at Chris' Jazz Cafe.

January 27, 2013 2:00-5:00 PM In Memoriam: A Celebration of the LIfe and Music of Baba Robert Crowder at The Painted Bride Art Center

Kùlú Mèlé mourns the passing of our beloved founder, Baba Robert Crowder. Please join us for a celebration of his life and legacy on Sunday, January 27, 2013, 2pm – 5pm. The Memorial Service will be held at the Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia 19106.

Baba Crowder was a pioneer in African dance and drumming whose influence went beyond the City of Philadelphia. He founded Kùlú Mèlé in 1969 and touched the lives of countless dancers, drummers and others who were hungry to connect with their African roots. His legacy continues with the company’s steadfast commitment to preserve and present the music of Africa and the African Diaspora and with Omo Kùlú Mèlé (the children of Kùlú Mèlé), our youth ensemble.

January 26, 2013 8:00 PM "Everybody Likes Saturday Night" A Tribute to the Life and Music of Robert "Baba" Crowder at The Fire

"Everybody Likes Saturday Night": A generation celebrates the song, music and life of Robert "Baba" Crowder. A night filled with Philadelphia's best world fusion bands who draw on they're musical roots from the Americas, Carribean, and Africa. Come out and join them as they pay tribute master percussionist and teacher Robert "Baba" Crowder.

Featuring Music By:
DJ Femi
Baba Robert Kenyatta
Prophecy Music Project featuring Chuckie Joseph and friends
Leana Song
Sonic Liberation Front
Electric Grioland
The Fire
412 West Girard ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Price $8.00

January 25 and 26, 2013 7:30 and 10:00 PM Urban Guerilla Orchestra at Warmdaddy's

Friday & Saturday
January 25 & 26
7:30 & 10:00
$15

Simply put, an extraordinary performance is one that gives people a night to remember. The Urban Guerilla Orchestra will make the perfect edition to our line up by providing Philadelphia’s best musical sound, hands down. The Urban Guerilla Orchestra can do this by having the best musical line up in Philadelphia, featuring musicians who performed with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Boyz II Men, Alicia Keys, The Roots and countless others. Under the leadership of the music industry veteran Henri McMillian Jr. UGO’s high energy will resonate your night from start to finish by featuring their musically diverse styles that feature sophisticated jazz, Motown classics, R+B, funk, to today’s top hits.

January 26, 2013 8:00 PM Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Longwood Gardens

Ladysmith Black Mambazo rose to worldwide fame as a result of their collaboration with Paul Simon on his album Graceland, and since then have won numerous awards, including three Grammy’s. As South African cultural ambassadors, they sing in the traditional vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. Saturday, January 26 8:00 pm Exhibition Hall Tickets $42. More about Ladysmith Black Mambazo They rose to worldwide fame as a result of singing with Paul Simon on his album, Graceland and have won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards. Ladysmith Black Mambazo was formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960 and is one of South Africa's most abundant recording artists, with their releases receiving gold and platinum disc honours. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has evolved into a mobile academy, teaching people about South Africa and its culture.

January 25, 2013 7:00-9:30 PM Brazil Tertulia: A Celebration of Brazilian Culture at Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas

BRAZIL TERTULIA: A CELEBRATION OF BRAZILIAN CULTURE

WHEN: Friday, January 25, 2013 7:00pm-9:30pm

WHERE: Crane Old School White Space 1417 North 2nd Street Philadelphia

COST: $10 Suggested donation, $5 Suggested donation for college students

Light refreshments will be served



This January, Raíces will begin the year with its signature community program, the Tertulia!



Philadelphia has a growing Brazilian community in the northeast section of the city. In collaboration with Brazil Productions, Raíces will shed light on this unique community, and explore the vibrant culture of Brazilians at this first signature Tertulia program of 2013.


The heart-pounding rhythms, graceful dances, and colorful costumes of samba are recognized worldwide as part of Brazil's cultural identity. Fatima Peters, Founder and Owner of Brazil Productions, will make a presentation about samba at the Tertulia.



Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Ms. Peters has a wealth of knowledge on samba, as a self-taught samba dancer, dance director, and costume designer. Her 25-year-old company, Brazil Productions, brings Brazil to the U.S. through performances and entertainment.

Following Fatima Peters' presentation, the audience will enjoy an interactive samba dance performance by Brazil Production and Fuego Dance Company. Directed by Hector Serrano, Fuego Dance Company is the oldest and largest Salsa dance company in Philadelphia.


This event is open to the public; however, for adults only. We suggest a $10 donation for admission or a $5 donation for admission for college students.



Upon admission we invite you to enjoy our host of light, healthy fare and soft drinks & wine. We will have a few Brazilian specialty items for attendees to try as well.Please note, the majority of the program will be conducted in English, however there will be people available to translate some parts in Spanish and Portuguese.






On the last Friday of the month, Raíces presents its signature Tertulia. This event - generally for adults only- is one of Raíces' most popular programs that presents lectures and discussions on cultural topics. During each Tertulia, after the invited guests' presentation and open public discussions, the microphone is opened to any individual or group who would like to share their talents in music, poetry, dance, etc. Raíces calls this cultural encounter in the café atmosphere "a retreat for the soul."

January 24, 2013 8:00 PM Femi Kuti and The Positive Force at World Cafe LIve PHL

Femi Kuti was born Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti on June 12, 1962 in London. He grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where, at 15, he started playing saxophone in his father’s band, Egypt 80. In 1986 he formed his own band, the Positive Force. His first record was released in 1995 by Tabu/Motown, followed four years later by Shoki Shoki (MCA), which garnered widespread critical acclaim. In 2001 he collaborated with Common and Mos Def on Fight to Win, an effort to cross over to a mainstream audience, and started touring the United States with Jane’s Addiction. In 2004 he opened The Shrine, his club, where he recorded the live album Africa Shrine. After a 4-year absence due to personal setbacks, he re-emerged in 2008 with Day by Day and Africa for Africa in 2010, for which he received two Grammy nominations. In 2012 he was both inducted into the Headies Hall of Fame (the most prestigious music awards in Nigeria) and was the opening act on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ European Tour. He continues to expand the diversity of his artistry on his forthcoming (2013) album No Place for My Dream. Artist Website Thursday, January 24th , 2013 Doors 7 pm | Show 8 pm | Downstairs Live Advance Tickets: $25 - $35 + processing fees Day of Show Tickets: $28 - $38 + processing fees

January 22, 2013 6:00-7:30 PM African Dance Workshops with Mama Kariamu Welsh at the Painted Bride

African Dance Workshops with Kariamu Welsh
Tuesdays | 6pm – 7:30pm
$10. per workshop, $50. for purchase of the entire class package

Jan. 22
Jan. 29
Feb. 5
Feb. 12
Feb. 26
March 5

CLICK HERE to buy the entire class package.

Contemporary African Dance Workshop
The Umfundalai Technique
History, Traditions and Styles As Expressed Through Rhythms
Taught by Mama Kariamu Welsh

Come with your heart and soul and be prepared to move. The Umfundalai workshop is a holistic experience that accepts you as you are and focuses on the dancing body in the moment. Everyone should wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Ladies, bring a laps (a piece of fabric that can be wrapped around your hips). Leave your fears, concern and issues at the door and let yourself move with spirit and rhythms.

Kariamu Welsh is a Professor of dance in the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Dr. Kariamu is the artistic director of Kariamu & Co.: Traditions. Kariamu is the recipient of numerous fellowships, grants and awards including a National Endowment for the Arts Choreography Fellowship, the Creative Public Service Award of NY, a Pew Choreography Fellowship, a Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts grant, a Fulbright Specialist award and a Senior Fulbright Scholar Award. She is the founding artistic director of the National Dance Company of Zimbabwe in southern Africa. Kariamu is the creator of the Umfundalai dance technique, a contemporary technique that has been in existence for over forty years. Kariamu has written several books and many articles on African dance.

January 20, 2013 7:30 PM International Guitar Night at Crossroads Music

International Guitar Night Martin Taylor (Scotland), Solorazaf (Madagascar), Guinga (Brazil), and Brian Gore (US) "One of the most important showcases for contemporary guitar" -San Francisco Chronicle at Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 801 South 48th Street Tickets $10-$30.

January 19, 2013 8:00 PM Joe Lovano Us Five at Longwood Gardens SOLD OUT!

Featuring James Weidman, Esperanza Spalding, Francisco Mela, Otis Brown III. Hailed by The New York Times as “one of the greatest musicians in jazz history,” Grammy Award winning saxophone giant Joe Lovano has distinguished himself as a leader with his band Us Five, who received the 2012 Jazz Journalist Award for Small Ensemble of the Year. Enjoy a complimentary coffee reception with the artist after the performance. Saturday, January 19 8:00 pm Ballroom Reserved Seating $45. More about Joe Lovano Lovano’s impressive career includes eight Grammy nominations with a win in the Best Large Ensemble category for his 2000 album “52nd Street Themes.” Since 2009, Lovano’s main vehicle for his exploration of jazz has been Us Five, a dynamic young band—which features drummers Otis Brown III and Francisco Mela, pianist James Weidman, and bassist Esperanza Spalding, the surprise new artist of the year winner over Justin Bieber in 2011 at the Grammys.

January 12, 2013 8:00 PM "Underground at Ron's" with Sharon Katz, Wendy Quick, and Quint Lange

Underground at Ron's #49
January 12, 2013
Featuring -
Guitarist/Vocalist Sharon Katz & Vocalist Wendy Quick
w/ Guest Percussionist - Quint Lange

1012 E Southampton Ave Wyndmoor, Pa 19038
8:00pm - Show Time
7:00pm - Community Drum Circle & Potluck
$20.00 or less if needed
Reserve Now at 215 233 0777 or ron@musicinthemoment.com
Pay at the door; 24 hr. notice is appreciated for cancellation.
On Street parking
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January 12, 2013 8:00 PM Debo Band at World Cafe Live PHL

Debo Band is an 11-member group led by Ethiopian-American saxophonist Danny Mekonnen and fronted by charismatic vocalist Bruck Tesfaye. Since their inception in 2006, the band has won raves for their groundbreaking take on Ethiopian pop music (think Ethiopiques), which incorporates traditional scales and vocal styles, alongside American soul and funk rhythms, and instrumentation reminiscent of Eastern European brass bands. Debo have toured Ethiopia twice, appearing at both the Ethiopian Music Festival in Addis Ababa and Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar, the largest music festival in East Africa. In North America, they’ve shared stages with Gogol Bordello, Amadou & Mariam, Grupo Fantasma, The Family Stone, and Ethiopian great Tilahun Gessesse. Artist Website Saturday, January 12 , 2013 Doors 7pm | Show 8pm | Downstairs Live Advance Tickets: $12 + processing fees Day of Show Tickets: $14 + processing fees

January 12, 2013 8:00 PM Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits at the Painted Bride Art Center SOLD OUT!

Oliver ‘TUKU’ Mtukudzi is an internationally acclaimed composer-guitarist-vocalist-performer rivaled only by the likes of Angelique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His distinctive deep and gusty voice, socially conscious lyrics, performance energy and keen sensibility for cultural tolerance has earned him a devoted following across Africa and beyond. Pulsating rhythms, hypnotic harmonies, sweet and sultry vocals characterize TUKU’s contagious mix of music which fuses South African mbaqanga beats, Zimbabwean jit pop, chimurenga music (mbira/thumb piano) and kateke drumming from his native Kore Kore tribe. Saturday, January 12, 2013 | 8pm Zimbabwe’s Afropop Legend Oliver ‘TUKU’ Mtukudzi and The Black Spirits Concert and Dance Party Dance floor admittance: $20 in advance/$25 day of show Seated theater & dance floor admittance: $25 in advance/$30 day of show Members get 25% off

January 11, 2013 7:00PM "Her Spirit Was For Dancing" at Scribe Video Center

Her Spirit Was For Dancing

Scribe Video Center

4212 Chestnut Street 3rd Floor

Philadelphia, PA, 19104

See map: Google MapsFriday, January 11, 2013, 7:00PM
@ Scribe Video Center
$5, Free for Scribe members
director Morenike Olabunmi in person!
Presented in partnership with Reelblack
Her Spirit Was For Dancing (2013, 60 mins) chronicles the death rituals performed for Phyllis Gordon, a 92-year-old Etu member and Yoruba descendant in Jamaica, West Indies. The deceased is honored with a Christian funeral in addition to age-old African celebrations that involve the community. This film is an intimate look into the coexistence of Christian and African traditions.
Morenike Olabunmi is a Jamaican-born independent filmmaker, writer, and researcher. Her documentary, Etu & Nago: The Yoruba Connection which illumines the story of Yoruba/Nago descendants in Jamaica, West Indies, received Best Documentary Short awards at Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film and Jamerican Film and Music Festivals. It also won the Jurors' Choice award from the Brooklyn Chapter of Links Film Festival.
Ms. Olabunmi’s philosophy has been to use all available media to illuminate Africa’s contribution to world society. "As a student of African folklore I'm interested in its use in culture, its manifestations of expressive forms in both traditional and modern societies in which the themes, symbols, and protocol that permeate traditional life occupy new positions, or occur in different occasions in everyday life both on the African continent and in the African diaspora."