African Blends

Africa’s influence on music, dance and the arts will be showcased during the Los Angeles African Marketplace and Cultural Faire on three consecutive weekends starting Saturday at Rancho Cienega Park.

A variety of musical styles--including jazz, blues, reggae, Brazilian and salsa--will highlight the festival. Among the artists scheduled to appear are Bitoto (Saturday), Cuba’s premiere folkloric ensemble, Los Munequitos de Matanzas (Aug. 21), ESUAH, a group of dancers and musicians from Cameroon (Aug. 28) and jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim (Sept. 4).

The Fusions Festival scheduled for Sept. 3 will feature African American groups that blend culturally distinct musical styles and artistic disciplines. Poet Adwin Brown will join the Peace and Fire Band to create a music and spoken word

performance; Superderf Band will present an eclectic mix of rhythms and sounds; Strangefruit will plays a mixture of rock and smooth jazz, and Munyango Jackson and Junglebook combines African rhythms and instruments with Latin jazz and rhythm and blues.

The Children’s Village, an area devoted to children and family oriented activities, will provide daily arts and crafts activities.

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The Los Angeles African Marketplace and Cultural Faire, Saturday and Aug. 21, 27, 28, and Sept. 3-5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; Rancho Cienega Park, 5001 Rodeo Road; free admission to the marketplace and faire (a $1 donation is requested), but select venues may charge admission; (213) 237-1540.