The Spot on Kirk is continuing its year-long celebration of the diverse cultures that make up the Roanoke community by featuring African musicians and performers in the month of April. The events are part of The Spot on Kirk’s International Music Series.
On April 5, Africa Unplugged, a dynamic group led by djembe master, guitarist, and songwriter Atiba Rorie, will hold a 90-minute concert at the non-profit venue. The five-piece band is known for using traditional percussion instruments from West Africa in combination with guitars and bass to play traditional rhythms while drawing from influences across the world. On April 16, The Spot will sponsor appearances by the ZuZu African Acrobats at two schools in the Roanoke City Public School District: Virginia Heights Elementary and Hurt Park Elementary. The Acrobats will also put on a free public performance around lunchtime at the Market in downtown Roanoke.
“Both of these groups have an exciting energy that is truly contagious,” said Jamie Miller, Live Music Ambassador for The Spot on Kirk. “We’re thrilled they’ll be using their talents to bring African culture to life for the Roanoke community, and especially for the children.”
These are the fourth and fifth events in The Spot on Kirk’s International Music Series. Most recently, The Spot partnered with Virginia Tech’s Moss Arts Center (MAC) to highlight Arabic culture.
“Today’s Virginia, and especially the Star City, is a quilt made of dozens of diverse cultures and we’re honored that the Gwathmey Foundation sees the value in that,” said Bryan.
The Spot on Kirk is a non-profit organization operating with help from Delta Dental of Virginia and other various sponsors and individual donors. To learn more about The Spot, upcoming events, and their work as a non-profit organization, visit www.theSpotonKirk.org.
