October 6, 2012 7:30 PM Crossroads Music presents Sorie Kondi : Virtuoso street music from Freetown, Sierra Leone

Sorie Kondi is a virtuosic folk musician from the small West African country of Sierra Leone. He plays the Sierra Leonean version of a thumb piano called the Kondi, an instrument he has taken as his last name, and sings in four different languages (his mother tongue Loko, Temne, Krio, and English). He is also an innovator who has developed both a new type of electrified kondi and a unique playing style. Sorie was born blind in the city of Makeni around 1968. He never went to school but began to play the kondi, a traditional instrument of Sierra Leone as a teenager. It was soon apparent that he had a special talent for music, and by 1984 he started earning some small money by playing at ceremonies and travelling to nearby villages. In 1996, civil war forced him to leave his home and seek refuge in the capital of Freetown. He began recording his first album there in 1998, and finished it just before the war reached the city and nearly all the inhabitants fled. Abandoned, Kondi hid inside his house for 5 days while much of the city was looted and burned down. When the dust settled, the master tapes had been lost and his career plans derailed. Having lost his chance to commercially release a cassette, Sorie Kondi made a name for himself as a street musician. His daily busking on the streets of Freetown made him familiar to many residents in Sierra Leone’s capital city, but Sorie Kondi’s popularity was not enough to bring him out of the grinding poverty that many of the country’s citizens experience. A trip in 2006 to the Lungi region, across the bay from Freetown would provide Mr. Kondi with a golden opportunity to put his career back on track. By chance, an American recording engineer spotted him playing his kondi, and asked to include him in the anthology of Sierra Leonean music he was working on. In February 2007, a prominent local businessman heard this recording and sponsored Kondi’s first album, “Without Money, No Family.” While all of these recording opportunities have boosted his morale, but he continues to live in destitute poverty, struggling to find his daily bread. (In 2010, his daily struggle for survival, the reality of poverty, and the struggle to raise school fees for his children was chronicled in a short BBC documentary). In Sierra Leone, artists earn most of their money from album launchings and live performances in foreign countries as cassete manufacturers and distributors pay very low royalties and Crossroads is very pleased to welcome Sorie Kondie on his first American tour.

October 3, 2012 7:30 PM The Royal Drummers of Burundi at the Annenberg Center

The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi In “a celebration of ability” that is “sheer pleasure” (New York Times), the Royal Drummers & Dancers of Burundi return to the U.S. for the first time since their sold-out 2006 tour. Considered one of the world’s greatest percussion ensembles, they have performed in the same way for centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from father to son, originally performing exclusively for Burundian kings. Shrouded in ancient legend and mystery, this troupe channels the energy and creative spirit of a nation, and with complex rhythms, agile dance and attuned precision, the “Burundi beats” of this ensemble will take audiences on a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping journey. a href="http:/http://www.annenbergcenter.org/tickets/?id=228#/">rder="1">

September 30, 2012 SambaDa Drum and Dance Workshops

September 30, 2012 8:00 PM Alô Brasil presents SambaDa at World Cafe Live PHL

Alo Brasil presents…Sambada There’s a beach where one sunny afternoon you may witness an offering to an Afro-Brazilian Orixa spirit of the ocean, the next day watch master capoeristas practicing Brazil’s martial art dance form, and still another day join a gathering of thousands of surfers-cum-dancers rocking out to hybrid musical sounds informed by bloco afro (Afro-Brazilian percussion music), samba-reggae, surf-rock, and California funk. No, these are not the shores of Bahia, Brazil. This is Santa Cruz, California, home of the surf-and-skate, capoeira-kicking, scene-busting phenomenon known as SambaDa. This smoldering and soldering band is a magnet of unexpected particles shaved from Brazilian and American sources. Sunday, September 30th, 2012 Show 8 pm | Upstairs Live Advance Tickets: $10 + processing fees Day of Show Tickets: $12 + processing fees

September 28, 2012 7:00 PM-10:00 PM Tertulia at Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas "Blue Corn"

Friday, September 28, 2012 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Crane Arts Old School White Space A suggested donation of $10 is requested. Light Refreshments available This September, Raíces invites you to learn about the history and cultural significance of blue corn in Mexico! Corn is a staple food in many countries, especially throughout Latin America. Blue corn is an indigenous crop of northern Mexico and southwestern areas of the United States. Unfortunately, blue corn cultivation has been replaced by cheaper corn varieties manufactured in the United States. Specifically, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) caused great devastation to Mexican farmers who traditionally harvested it and other natural corn varieties. Ruben Chico Del Rosario, a member of Raíces' Artist Coalition who leads the Aztec dance troupe Cenzontle Cuicatl, will lead a discussion about the impacts of NAFTA on the cultivation of blue corn and the importance of the crop to the indigenous culture in Mexico. Ruben will also share information about the Blue Corn Alianza, a small business cooperative that aims to conserve the genetic information of the traditional blue corn grown in San Mateo de Ozolco, a small community in the Mexican Sierra Nevada in the state of Puebla. During the evening, guests will have the opportunity to try food made from blue corn, like the beverage atole. Blue corn based products will be available to purchase as well. Light refreshments will also be provided during the Tertulia. Raíces will also introduce a brand new art exhibit opening at the Tertulia by the students of Motivos Bilingual Magazine. Motivos magazine is a full color glossy magazine printed in both English and Spanish that inspires and empowers youth to explore their full potential and make informed choices about life, college, and career options. Come out and show your support of the talented youth in our community. This Tertulia is presented in collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center (MCC). MCC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to promoting understanding and awareness of the cultural and artistic diversity of Mexico and its influence in the Delaware Valley in the United States. Please note, the majority of the speaking at the Tertulia will be in Spanish, but English translation will be available, if necessary. For more information please contact Programs & Marketing Manager, Jasmine Dottin.

September 28, 2012 6:00-8:00 PM Tango Conspiracy at the Barnes Foundation

Tango Conspiracy sets out to explore the deepest realms of this Argentinean folklore music by enhancing its subdued and intense mood with electronic dub undertones. September 28, 2012 6–8 pm 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Included with gallery admission or Friday night ticket For tickets, call 888.616.0277

September 28, 2012 8:00 PM Burnt Sugar (the Arkestra Chamber) at the Painted Bride

Burnt Sugar channels the creative energies of two seminal music figures – the ‘Godfather of Cool/Electro’ and the ‘Godfather of Soul/Funk’ to deliver a far-out symphonic concert experience. From Bitches Brew to Cold Sweat, conductor Greg Tate signals the musical direction of a 13-piece orchestra (arkestra) in two movements. Using a technique called “conduction” Tate pays respect to each iconic boss while breaking new creative ground by channeling energies in the moment. Until now it would be too hard to imagine how one evening of music could possibly taste so sweet. Burnt Sugar shares their secret during what promises to be a memorable evening of music at the Bride. EVENT EXTRAS Burnt Sugar’s advance promotional appearance-performance in Philly on Friday 9/21. Members of Burnt Sugar will be at Jaz Sound (11th Street between Market and Chestnut) for an in-store meet and greet. Later that evening they perform and interview with J. Michael Harrison LIVE on WRTI (90.1 FM). Check back for exact times. MORE ABOUT BURNT SUGAR Founded by monster bassist Jared Michael Nickerson and Village Voice icon Greg ‘Ionman’ Tate in 1999, Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber is a sprawling band of musicians whose prodigious personnel invite the opportunity to juggle a wide swath within the experimental soul-jazz-hip-hop spectrum. This very accomplished crew has playing credits ranging from Toshi Reagon, DJ Logic, Gary Lucas, TV On The Radio, Tamar Kali, Phish, Willaim Parker, Liz Wright, The Holmes Brothers, Wadada Leo Smith, David Murray and Joseph Bowie.Personnel: Greg Tate – conductor, Lisala – vocals, Mazz Swift – violin, Lewis Barnes Jr. – trumpet, V. Jeffery Smith – tenor sax, Avram Fefer – tenor sax, Micah Gaugh – alto sax, “Moist” Paula Henderson – bari sax, Dave “Smoota” Smith – trombone, Bruce Mack – synthesizer and keyboards, Andre Lassalle – guitar, Ben Tyree – guitar, Jason DiMatteo – acoustic bass, Chris Eddleton – drums, LaFrae Sci – drums, Shelley Nicole – vocals, Karma Mayet Johnson – vocal, Mikel Banks – vocal, Mazz Swift – vocal/violin, Lewis Barnes – vocal/trumpet, Jared Michael Nickerson – electric bass

September 22, 2012 7:00 PM Mariachi Flor de Toloache at Longwood Gardens

Mariachi Flor de Toloache is an all-female mariachi band representing Mexican music with their own edgy and versatile sound. Saturday, September 22 Open Air Theatre 7:00 pm This performance is weather permitting. Tickets $18. includes admission to the gardens and the concert. About Mariachi Flor de Toloache In 2008, Mariachi Flor de was founded in New York City by Mireya I. Ramos. Originally formed as a trio, the band has grown to seven members with all the essential and traditional instruments including: violin, trumpet, guitarron (bass), vihuela (five string guitar) and guitar. Each member's cultural background adds even more diversity to their already unique sound, spanning the globe from Puerto Rico, to Mexico, Germany, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. Their goal of representing Mexican music and adding their own sound comes together incredibly naturally and seamlessly. They perform together like a band of sisters, with grace and vibrant beauty casting a spell over their audiences like the legendary and magical Toloache flower that is still being used in Mexico as a love potion. Mariachi Flor de Toloache has performed for the Mexican Consulate, Queens Museum, El Museo del Barrio, and several high profile private events. They have also appeared in the St. Cecilia Mariachi Festival, annual Guadalupe festivities, and recently a five-week tour of Spain in the Summer of 2011. Performing in these exciting venues, the group continues to preserve the richness of the Mexican culture.

September 21st and 22nd, 2012 Marc Bamuthi Joseph/The Living Word Project : red, black & GREEN: a blues at the Annenberg Center

Hailed by the Philadelphia Inquirer as a “rare breed of artist who can kindle political and cultural awareness while delivering a highly entertaining performance,” Marc Bamuthi Joseph is the creative mind behind this exhilarating, hybrid piece of spoken word/hip hop theatre. Through poetry, music, dance, video and an interactive and evocative set design, red, black & GREEN: a blues presents the idea that nurturing our lives and communities is the first step toward caring for our planet. “The four performers are magnetic...Going green meets and mates with the urgency of achieving environmental justice. The result is a piece as smart and provocative as it is breathtakingly beautiful” (San Francisco Chronicle). Friday, September 21 @ 7:30 PM Saturday, September 22 @ 8 PM Tickets: $20.-$35. Directed by Michael John Garcés. Performed by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Tommy Shepherd aka Emcee Soulati, Traci Tolmaire and Yaw.

September 20, 2012 8:00 PM-2:00 AM Afro-Funk House Party

September 21 and 22, 2012 7:30 PM "Beat" A Celebration of African American Music, Dance, and Culture

"Beat" A Celebration of African American Music, Dance and Culture My Sister's Keeper Dance/Arts Collaborative September 21st and 22nd, 2012 at 7:30PM Conwell Dance Theater, Temple University, 1801 N. Broad Street 5th Floor, Philadelphia Magi Ross presents, “BEAT” is a kinesthetic celebration of African American cultures, traditions and our rich legacy of creative expressions. Resisting notions of cultural homogeneity, rhythm is used to bridge {beautifully} a {deliberately} multi-generational gathering of artists in a {gorgeously} kinetic offering of Black music, dance and community. Tickets: $15.

September 21, 2012 Hannibal Lokumbe at Verizon Hall at 8 PM featuring the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir

Kimmel Center presents
Hannibal Lokumbe
Can You Hear God Crying?
(World Premiere)
Presented in Association with Arts Sanctuary
Verizon Hall
Friday, September 21, 2012 at 8pm

Featuring the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Can You Hear God Crying? is a soulful piece that leads audiences through their personal struggles to reconnect with humanity, family, and community.

September 20, 2012 7:30-9:00 PM West African Drumming Class with Quint Lange

3 Class Session ... 9/20, 27, 10/4 $48.00 6 Class Session ... 10/11, 18, 25, 11/1, 8, & 15. $96.00 Thurs. evenings 7:30 - 9:00pm All of the above take place at my home 1012 E Southampton Ave Wyndmoor PA 19038

September 15, 2012: Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas announces New Fall Class Schedule

What's your talent? COME TAKE A CLASS AT RAICES, TODAY! LEARN MORE BELOW! This fall, Raíces has a full schedule of activities for you to participate in at our Talentos Studio. Come join us and get involved in some of these activities: Modeling classes with Making a Change Performing Arts Company| Monday evenings 6pm-8pm| Price- $35 per month Hip Hop dance classes with Making a Change Performing Arts Company| Tuesday evenings 6pm-8pm| Price- $35 per month Afro-Cuban dance classes with Gislet Mora and Christian Noguera| Weekdays 7pm-9pm (contact Raíces for specific days)| Price- $20 per class Zumba aerobics class with certified Zumba Instructor Monica Acosta| Saturdays 10am-11am| Price- $5 per class Flamenco classes with Tomas Dura| Saturdays 4:00pm-5:30pm (beginners) 5:30pm-7:00pm (advanced)| Price- $10 per class Descarga- music jam session, bring your instrument and play with Johnny and Aida Cruz| Sundays 2pm-5pm| Price- Free Private music classes in Latin percussion instruments (timbal, congas, bongo maracas, guiro) taught by Timbalona| Contact Raíces for more information Private music classes in Folkloric Puerto Rican styles with the cuatro and guitar taught by Johnny Cruz| Contact Raíces for more information Please note, the Talentos Studio is also available to rent. For more details, contact Raíces' Program Manager

September 19, 2012 7:30 PM Sâo Paolo Underground

Part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival Sao Paolo Underground Sunny melodies, beats, noise, sounds & songs from Rob Mazurek (Chicago) & Mauricio Takara, Guilherme Granado, & Richard Ribeiro (Sao Paulo, Brazil). at Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 801 South 48th Street “Cool blue cornet over a spellbinding collage of saturated textures, syncopated rhythms & sundry electronics.” Time Out Top 10 jazz albums of 2011 Tickets $10 - $30.

September 16, 2012 1:00-7:00 PM Mexico's Independence Day Festival at Penn's Landing

September 14, 15, and 22 , 2012 at 10:00 PM , September 20, 8:00 PM The Funeral of Enerio López

What will become of us, now that we are only women left?" Enerio López is the last of his brothers and male in-laws to die. In his absence he leaves an eclectic family of widows, including the Former Pork Queen of Guayaquín, a Santera who communes with spirits, and many more -- all embodied by one actor. Combining Flamenco, Afro-Cuban beats, Santería, and the poetic world of writer Federico García Lorca, The Funeral of Enerio López is a foray into the rich inner lives of a family of Cuban-American women now left to their own devices... 

 This audience participatory show is unlike anything you've ever seen! A Cuban funeral with seven characters, one woman, widows, veils, and a broken air conditioner. All shows at the Maas Building
- 1325 N. Randolph Street, Philadelphia, PA (1.5 blocks north of Girard between 5th & 6th) Showtimes:
 Friday, Sept. 14, 10pm Saturday, Sept. 15, 10pm Thursday, Sept. 20, 8pm Saturday, Sept. 22, 10pm Tickets: $15


September 15, 2012 7:00 PM Papo Gely and Timbalona at Longwood Gardens

Renowned Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and producer Papo Gely performs a Tropical rock n’ rumba that is flourishing with lush Latin American melodies. Saturday, September 15 Open Air Theatre 7:00 pm Adults: $18. includes admission to the gardens and concert This performance is weather permitting. About Papo Gely Papo "Forajido" Gely was born in Miami Beach Florida to Puerto Rican Parents, whom shortly after his birth returned to the island of Puerto Rico where he was raised. Originally self taught to play the guitar, he went on to receive formal music training at the University of Puerto Rico. After graduating, Gely became a regular session player at the local studio scene working with virtually every local singer as a back-up musician. In 1988, he was hired as a record producer for Puerto Rican super boy band Menudo. While working with the band, Gely penned young Ricky Martin's first hit "Gafas Oscuras". After three years of recording and touring the US and Mexico, Gely relocated to New York City. In 1996, encouraged by friends and associates, Gely released his first solo project named Blues Montuno, a blend of latin rock and blues featuring and highlighting his songwriting and guitar skills. Having lived 20 years in New York City, Gely relocated in early 2011 to Philadelphia where he performs with Timbalona. Composed of members with Venezuelan & Argentinean roots, Timbalona pairs their Afro-Cuban rhythms with Gely's trademark sound. Papo Gely & Timbalona give new definition to Tropical Latin Music

September 14, 2012 7:00 PM Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra at Alvernia University

Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra will open the performing arts season at Alvernia University in Reading, PA this Friday September 14th, 7pm. We will perform select recent repertory and brand new material. The concert is FREE. For reservations click here.