“Chicago Afrobeat Project to Perform at Wire on February 8”

This article originally appeared on Why Berwyn.

Chicago Afrobeat Project along with Nick and the Ovorols will both perform at Wire on Saturday, February 8.  In the 10 years since its birth from Chicago’s underground art and loft party scene, Chicago Afrobeat Project has performed coast to coast at clubs and festivals across the United States. 2013 marks the release of “Nyash Up!” the band’s fourth official album project and its best sounding, best produced release so far. Over the years the group has defined and redefined their signature version of afrobeat. Their latest work is reaching into new territories incorporating elements of hip-hop, orchestra-like musical arrangement, and exciting stylistic exploration touching on rock, jazz and funk. The 8-piece group is established as one of the top bands in the afrobeat world. Get your tickets for this show!

Double Door on Fri, Nov 8 with Sidewalk Chalk, Ayodele Drum & Dance, Trio Mokili

CAbPAfriHipDance unites cultures. Music frees minds. West Africa meets American hip hop when two of Chicago’s premier live ensembles — Chicago Afrobeat Project and Sidewalk Chalk — perform a long overdue collaboration as well as independent sets. Trio Mokili debuts its lively West African guitar-led songs, while Ayodele Drum & Dance lifts spirits with its female-led West African percussion and dance. Prepare to raise another glass to Chicago’s artists and their creative cross-pollination of the MIDWEST’S FINEST MUSIC SCENE.

Sat, 9/14: Millennium Park (Pritzker Pavilion) for Chicago World Music Festival 2013

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On Saturday September 14 Chicago Afrobeat Project performs at the beautiful Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park as a part of the 2013 World Music Festival. Following the band is Bassekou Kouyate (pictured).

Showtime: 3PM
Cost: FREE!

The event takes place as a part of Festival au Desert (Festival in the Desert). Festival au Desert began in 2001 in the arid lands just outside of Timbuktu, a dazzling clearinghouse of the rich sounds emanating from Mali, one of Africa’s poorest nations financially, but richest culturally.

The event quickly developed into one of world music’s signature events, spearheaded by members of the great Tuareg group Tinariwen. But when Islamic fundamentalists hijacked a Tuareg uprising in 2012 the festival had to be canceled among increasing violence. So this year the event is in exile and members of the Malian musical community have organized an informal caravan of sounds across the US this summer, and a slew of great players roll into the city for this year’s World Music Festival: Chicago. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba, Mamadou Kelly, Sidi Toure, and Leila Gobi all perform multiple concerts, showcasing the bluesy foundation of traditional Malian music.

Chicago Afrobeat Project will perform new material written during the band’s week-long session with master drummer Tony Allen. The week included performances, writing, recording and workshops on afrobeat.