Umbrella Bed
April 20, 7 pm, Red Sea Bar, Minneapolis
The Ska-tastic Umbrella Bed boasts a nine member line up consisting of drums, a twin-guitar assault, singer, bass and the heaviest metal in the universe - the four-piece horn section from hell - the Horns of Mass Destruction.

Mickey Dread
April 21, 8 pm The Cabooze (With the New Primitives)
Perhaps best known for his work with the Clash, Mikey Dread is one of the most influential performers and innovators in reggae music. His abilities, technical expertise, and unique vocal delivery combine to create a unique sound that tells the listener emphatically that it is the "Dread at the Controls."

Vieux Farka Touré
April 22, 7:30 Cedar Cultural Center
Vieux Farka Touré's debut represents a historic passing of the torch from father to son. A highly-talented guitarist, singer, songwriter and percussionist, Vieux Farka Touré crafts songs in the rich Sonrai tradition of his father, famed Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré.


Antibalas
April 24, 8:00 First Avenue Mainroom
Initially using the revolutionary blueprint of afrobeat as a launching pad, the dozen-strong members of Antibalas weave a rich tapestry of latin, jazz, classical, funk and soul into their horn-driven mix.


Konono #1
April 25, 7:30 pm Cedar Cultural Center
Stars of the groundbreaking Congotronics album, Kinshasha-based band Konono No. 1 are making a welcome return visit to The Cedar after a knockout performance in 2006.

The English Beat
May 4, 8 pm The Cabooze
Rudie Come Forward….

Les Nubians
May 10, 8 pm, The Cabooze (With the New Primatives)
In the time since their 1999 U.S. debut 'Princesses Nubiennes', became the most successful French-language album in more than a decade of Billboard charts, Les Nubians' singing sisters have traveled the world, soaking up the sounds of reggae, afro-beat, pop and electronica while collaborating with a host of respected musicians.

Faustin Linyekula
May 17, 7 pm Gallery 4, Walker Art Center (FREE)
“An ethereal figure with a spirit of steel . . . an intellectual and practical force to be reckoned with.” —The Star, South Africa Dancer/choreographer Faustin Linyekula of Kinshasa , Congo , is one of the foremost figures in contemporary African dance, acknowledged not only for the power and artistry of his work, but also for his commitment to connecting art to African communities. His 30-minute solo installation work deals with themes of displacement and circulation that reference the dark part of his heritage and the commerce of colonization, decolonization, and organized tourism.

Lily Allen
May 24, 6:30 pm First Avenue Mainroom