DiverseArts Culture Works and Bemba Entertainment announce the second installment of Bemba Beat featuring African music and performances...

Bemba Beat: Africa

What: DiverseArts Culture Works and Bemba Entertainment present Bemba Beat: Africa
Where: Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, 1106 East 11th Street, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, July 11, 2009; Doors open at 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 at the door
Contact: Harold McMillan (512) 477.9438
              Brandon Badillo (512) 577.4460

DiverseArts and Bemba Entertainment bring the music and culture of Africa straight into the heart of East Austin.  Bemba Beat, a summer-long concert series, benefits DiverseArts Culture Works while providing international and world music and culture to the East Austin community.  Every 2nd and 4th Saturday this summer, DiverseArts and Bemba Entertainment will showcase music styles from around the world at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard in the heart of East Austin’s Cultural Heritage District.

This installment of Bemba Beat will feature performances by Lannaya West African Dance Ensemble at 9:00 p.m. and Ahmed Arbab at 10:00 p.m. Beer courtesy of Side Bar will be available for sale to 21 and up guests.

Lannaya is a multicultural ensemble of drummers and dancers who celebrate the rich culture of Guinea and the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Their pieces include traditional West African dances, songs, and rhythms. In Guinea’s Su Su language, Lannaya means “confidence,” and Lannaya’s passionate and bold performances fully embody this meaning. The group has performed at The Paramount Theater, One World Theater, Austin City Limits, the Pecan Street Festival, and the Violet Crown Festival. More...

Ahmed Arbab is a political refugee and musician from Durman, Sudan. His father taught him to play the Oud guitar when he was in middle school. Around this time, he began performing traditional Sudanese songs as well as his original songs for his friends and family. In college, he became politically involved, and his songs began to reflect his distaste for the Sudanese government.

Ahmed moved to the United States in 1996 to avoid political persecution. Currently, he drives a cab to pay the bills but wishes to become a full-time musician. Ahmed Arbab describes his vision of unity for his music: “To become one and live in peace with love and equality.  I hope that some day, the people of Darfur hear my songs and the message of unity.  I hope that the children of Darfur see the light."

DiverseArts and Bemba Entertainment invite you to join us for the second installment of Bemba Beat and to experience the mesmerizing music of Africa, live in the heart of East Austin.