Ladysmith Black Mambazo bringing the sounds of South Africa to Rochester
The iconic South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform this February in Rochester as part of the 2017 Riverside Concerts winter series.
The vocal group is scheduled to take the stage inside the Mayo Civic Center arena on Friday, Feb. 3. Tickets are $29 each ($26.25 for members).
Founded in 1960 by Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo holds four Grammy awards — including one in 2014 for Best World Music Album — plus over a dozen more nominations. The group rose to worldwide stardom in 1986 while collaborating with Paul Simon on the seminal album, Graceland.
In addition to Simon, the group has recorded with numerous artists from around the world, including Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton and Melissa Etheridge. The group is so well-respected back home that Nelson Mandela once designated them “South Africa's Cultural Ambassadors to the world.”
While Shabalala no longer performs regularly with the group, the tradition of Ladysmith Black Mambazo continues on with new life. The current roster includes four of Shabalala's sons, including band leader Thamsanqa.
More winter shows
Run Boy Run — Saturday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Rochester Art Center
The unique sound of Run Boy Run is rooted in the traditional music of the Appalachian South. In recent years, bands like Nickel Creek, Crooked Still, and others have revived a sense of innovation in traditional American music. Run Boy Run continues this journey into music that is dynamic, orchestral, and overflowing with beauty. Run Boy Run exists in the tension between tradition and frontier. Tickets: $25 each or $22.50 for members
Under the Streetlamp — Friday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Mayo Civic Center Auditorium
One of America’s hottest vocal groups, with three top PBS specials, featuring recent leading cast members of the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys, performing an evening of Doo-Wop, Motown and old-time Rock ‘n’ Roll favorites including songs from the Drifters, the Beach Boys, the Beatles and more. Plus, a show stopping salute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons! Tickets: $38/$32.40 each or $34.50/$29.50 for members
Because of renovations to the Mayo Civic Center, Riverside Concerts is not offering the typical full line-up of indoor concerts. You can buy tickets to all three shows for $78.75. The price includes a complimentary membership.
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(Cover photo: File / Bryan Ledgard / CC)
