By Nia Hightower, DC Music Live
Looking for something to do during the next week? There are a ton of killer shows coming up. Check out our list, then check out a few shows.
Afro Bop Alliance – July 6
Grammy Award-winning Afro Bop Alliance is this week’s featured act for Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery. The Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble, will be bringing their cool rhythms to the garden so bring a blanket … to sit on. We said the rhythms were cool, not arctic. The show starts at 5 p.m., and admission is free, so get there early.
Johnny Clegg – July 6
South African musician Johnny Clegg will perform this weekend The Howard Theatre. His music is a vibrant blend of Western pop and African Zulu rhythms, but Clegg is not just a singer and songwriter. He boasts the titles of dancer, anthropologist, activist and French knight. Should make for an interesting show. During his more than three-decade career, he has campaigned against the injustice of apartheid South Africa and been instrumental in putting the new South Africa on the map as a cultural ambassador. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Remixing the Art of Social Change – July 7
OK. I know it’s technically not a show, but anytime you have the likes of rapper David Banner and scholars discussing the global impact of hip-hop on society. That’s reason enough to tune in. Words, Beats & Life, Rap Sessions and the Hip-Hop Theater Festival are presenting the “Remixing the Art of Social Change: A Hip-Hop Approach.” The teach-in is designed to outline how to develop curriculum, programs and artistic and scholarly work based on hip-hop culture. Mello-D and the Rados will open up the teach-in with a performance. The event will be held at Howard University’s Blackburn Center. On-site registration is $15.
Chuck Brown Tribute– July 7
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2012 and Anacostia Community Museum will honor Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown with “The Musical Life of Chuck and Being in the Chuck Brown Band” starting at noon. A variety of concerts, discussions on Washington’s distinctive go-go music, a “Go-Go Fitness” class and a panel with members from Brown’s former bands will pepper the day. Most activities are on the Good Hope and Naylor Corner of the National Mall. The Festival is free.
Musiq Soulchild with Avery Sunshine – July 9
The Howard Theatre will also feature R&B singer Musiq Soulchild. Musiq has had great success with his albums – Aijuswanaseing (I Just Want to Sing), Juslisen (Just Listen), Soulstar and his most recent album, MusiqInTheMagiq, which dropped last year with hit single “Yes.” Known for his soulful ballads and up-tempo songs about love and relationships, the Grammy-nominated artist recently announced that he’s working on a book about the subject. Should be interesting. R&B singer, songwriter and pianist Avery Sunshine will also perform that night. If you haven’t heard of this soul sister, get acquainted quickly. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Morris Day and The Time – July 12
I know you’re thinking about “Ice Cream Castles” in the summer time. Well, Morris Day and The Time have come to the rescue. The group, created by “His Purple Majesty” Prince, will perform its classics as well as songs from Day’s solo days at The Howard Theatre. Aside from appearing in the cult classic Purple Rain, the group made popular hits such as “Jungle Love,” “The Bird” and “777-9311.” The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $42.50 in advance and $46 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
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