Being born to a legendary musician can be both a blessing and a curse. Being the son of legendary musician and political activist Fela Kuti could put immense pressure on Femi, but the eldest son of Fela has embraced his role in carrying on the Afrobeat traditions of his father and taking them to his own heights with his own identity, even crossing into the mainstream with collaborations with such hip-hop artists as Common and Mos Def.
I suspect that Afrobeat will see significant growth with the current focus on the World Cup in South Africa; the success of Fela!, a critically acclaimed Broadway musical; and tours by Femi Kuti, and bands like Antibalas and Budos Band. A new generation is being introduced to Afrobeat and Femi is leading the way.
Tuesday, July 6:
- An Evening with Femi Kuti, DJ James Barak @ Belly Up
- Ghettoblaster, Terremoto, Stage Kids @ Casbah
- Colbie Caillat, Justin Young @ Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (sold out)
- Pianos Become the Teeth, Touche Amore, The Shroud, Agustos Espias @ Che Cafe
- Industry, Raven Like a Writing Desk, My Dead Body @ Soda Bar
- Local Brews Local Grooves: Riki Michele and Tim Tormey, Mark Miller, Tte New Archaic, Phil Bellante, BViolin @ House of Blues
- Xrin Arms @ Park Gallery
- Nena Anderson @ Riviera Supper Club
- Yeah Buddy Tuesdays with Meth Labs, the Prey @ Radio Room
- Tiki Tuesday, featuring Adrian Demain's Exoticatronica @ Bar Pink
- SO3 @ True North
- Anthology House Band @ Anthology
- Dave Booda Acoustic @ Tiki House
- Doug Allen, Suzy Bongo @ The Kraken
- Bayou Brothers @ Patrick's ll
- Acoustic Showcase @ Humphreys Backstage Live
- Tomcat Courtney @ La Gran Tapa
- The Red Lotus Revue @ The Stage Saloon
Rosemary Bystrak writes about the San Diego music scene, events, and sometimes whatever creeps into her head on her music blog San Diego: Dialed In. Check it for even more listings. Follow her updates at twitter.com/sddialedin or submit your music listings.
