AFRICA IN TUCSON: STYLE AND SOUND

By Kwevi &
Bisrat Saint-George

An exciting evening awaits Fashion and Music lovers at the 12th Annual Diaspora Showcase Africa, on September 26 at the Sabbar Shrine Center. The audience will be delighted to view the collection of natural fibers and traditional African textiles of Tanzania, international fashion designer Faroque Abdela, who worked for the late Princess Diana. The fashion statements and styles of designers Kike Adeeko, vivid colors of Allister “Pela” Burnett, and the haute couture construction of Van Else are set to grace the Tucson runway. The Fashion show soundtrack is a live medley of Jazz standards and rhythm by Musical Magic Quartet, with Doc Jones on Keyboard and Kerry Campbell on Sax, whose credits includes performances in several Platinum and Gold Records with such artists as Tupac, Snoop Dog, Herbie Hancock, Marvin Gaye and many Motown artists.

The evening opens with Egyptian Master Percussionist, Gamal Gomaa and legendary belly dancer Helena Vlahos for a thrilling sequence of drums and the ancient art form of belly dance. After the fashion show, the Jamaican Reggae sensation vocalist, “Luckie D” and Rockers Uptown opens the dance-concert with their vibrating sounds featuring Hal Jackson, and Amo Chip, the 2005 Grammy Award finalist for Best New Age Album. “Luckie D”, is well-known for his reggae interpretations of popular pop songs, including “Thinking Out Loud. Tickets to Diaspora Showcase is available at Al’s, 861 East Grant (Grant & 1st Ave).520-622-2276. For more information visit our website at www.diasporashowcase.com or call 520-207-6452.