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| Apollo Theater Hosts Africa Now Festival The Apollo Theater, in collaboration with World Music Institute, presents Africa Now, a four–day music festival spotlighting today's African music scene. The second annual festival will feature a powerful lineup of artists who have drawn upon their roots for inspiration – and transplanted them onto the global music landscape. Africa Now will be anchored by a blow-out concert, April 5th, on the legendary Apollo stage featuring: Malian songstress Fatoumata Diawara; Senegalese trio Les Frères Guissé; and reggae/Afrobeat collective Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars. As part of the Apollo's 80th anniversary season, Africa Now Festival further establishes the legendary Theater's longstanding role as a creative catalyst for Harlem, New York, and the nation and as a platform for culturally diverse artists. "We are absolutely delighted to present the second year of Africa Now with World Music Institute. Our program of artists showcases the amazing range of musical talent within the African music scene. Last year's sold-out Mainstage concert set the bar very high, and those who attend the festival know they can expect a world-class event, a great line-up, and an overall incredible experience, " said Apollo Executive Producer, Mikki Shepard "WMI continues to be at the forefront of creating exciting new formats that bring world cultures to NYC, and we are thrilled to be working with the Apollo on this latest venture. Africa Now is a wonderful way for audiences to dig into the diverse contemporary music scene in one of America's most iconic venues. I am still getting stopped on the street by people who attended last year's launch of Africa Now and can't wait for it to return, " said Artistic and Executive Director of World Music Institute, Karen Sander. The Apollo Theater recently announced the public phase of a $20 million fundraising campaign to extend the nonprofit institution's role in fostering artistic innovation, supporting emerging artists, and deepening its engagement with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. The 21st Century Apollo Campaign supports the growth of a variety of programmatic initiatives, including the Africa Now Festival. The Theater is currently celebrating its 80th anniversary season. write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Jazz News :: home page |