Two big concerts out of Africa to Bishop Hill
Two concerts featuring African artists are coming to Bishop Hill Creative Commons over the next week.
This Sunday, April 21 at 7 p.m. is QWANQWA, a primary language of Ethiopia, which translates to “language” in English. In this sense, QWANQWA is a project creating dialogues between cultures using the universal language of music, according to an event release.
Beaming in from the sizzling Addis Ababa nightlife scene, this group shines an experimentalism based in the virtuosity of rooted traditions, the release says. With swirling masinko (one-stringed fiddle), wah-wah violin, bass krar grooves, the heavy riffs of goat skin kebero beats, and powerful mellismatic lead African diva vocals, QWANQWA keeps the people rapt in celebratory attention.
QWANQWA uncovers lesser known traditional sounds from East Africa regions of Ethiopia and beyond—a trance-like chant of the Eritrean tribe of Blen, a psychedelic Somalian cover, an extended Amhara wedding medley, a Mahmoud Ahmed sing-a-long.
With Selamnesh Zemene, the Azmari diva powerhouse, at the helm, QWANQWA is a conversation of virtuosos through tight arrangements and extended experimental moments. The live show ranges from intimate to wild, from whispery conversations to full blown rock show, and it is hard to believe these psychedelic sounds are coming from traditional harps, one string fiddle, and violin, the release says.
A $25-35 donation is suggested.
On Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. will be Mokoomba, an explosively talented six-man crew from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. With over 40 countries and prestigious international festivals under their belt, they have performed at the world’s biggest festivals and venues, Sziget, Roskilde, North Sea Jazz, New York’s Apollo Theater, New Orleans Jazz and many more, according to the release.
While in the area, the group will also visit area schools as part of Crossroads Cultural Connections’ visiting artist program. This concert and school visits are supported by Quad City Arts, through the Arts Dollars re-granting program, supported by The Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation – Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment.
Attendance is free, but donations are gladly accepted. All donations received at this concert will go to cover operating expenses for Crossroads Cultural Connections.
A potluck, starting at 6 p.m., precedes each concert, with music beginning at 7 p.m. All concerts are family-friendly and open to guests of all ages. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins, and serving utensils provided.
The venue and art cooperative, located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill, also contains and has for sale the works of local and regional artists, who work in a variety of mediums. It is open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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