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Concert Thu Oct 15 2009
World Music Wednesdays @ The Old Town School of Folk Music
Most of us probably can't point to Uganda on a world map without some serious searching, much less name a Ugandan musician, but if you were lucky enough to be at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Wednesday night you can add Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa to your world music repertoire.
The band was in Chicago as part of World Music Wednesdays, a program that grew out two previous series: La Pena, which showcased Latin music, and Afrofolk, which focused on music with African origins. Matthew Mulcahy, Community Projects Director at the Old Town School of Folk Music, fused the two programs into its current iteration, which draws both established and new groups to the stage.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I took my seat, but it was clear that there were some in the audience who did; at the next table a woman wore a t-shirt printed with the words "I have been to the source of the River Nile, Uganda."
The five person band took to the stage and quickly enthralled the audience with their captivating sounds and smooth vocals. At one point a woman in the audience rose and began dancing close to the stage with a small child on her hip. She was soon joined by others, until the entire front area of the concert hall was filled with dancing.
Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa have been touring the US since February, their next stop will be Ann Arbor on Friday, at the Green Wood Coffee House. This is the band's first US tour, and judging from the reception at Old Town it won't be their last. If you're a fan of world music this is the place to be on Wednesday nights, and if you're not sure but you'd like to see for yourself, this is the perfect opportunity to find out. You'll be glad you did.
World Music Wednesdays run every week through December 9th. Next week will feature the Surinam-Carribean septet Fra Fra Sound, doors open at 8pm. Concerts in the series are free, with a suggested $5 donations. For more information call 773-728-6000 or visit The Old Town School of Folk Music