Afro Mio
The regular early Friday evening free session in the Birmingham’s Symphony Hall cafe bar takes a sidestep tonight as Jazzlines hands the programming reins over to Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham, the charity that highlights through art the contribution made to the city by refugees.
So, jazz (the original world music fusion?) gives way to another way of celebrating an eclectic mix of cultures. African traditional music, Rumba, Soukous and Salsa all feature in the sound of Afro Mio, with Angolan founder Ben Pathy on vocals, against a backing of sinuous guitars and propulsive percussion.
Celebrating Sanctuary’s artistic director Sid Peacock tells me: “Afro Mio are a very busy band and have performed at Simmer Down festival and Amnesty International’s AGM at Warwick Uni. They are currently delivering a Songs of Sanctuary school workshop project with three local primary schools that will culminate in a concert at mac on 15 July.”
They are currently recording a CD that makes further connections with jazz and folk musicians, and involves guest appearances from Steve Tromans, Aaron Diaz, Xhosa Cole and Ruth Angell. Steve Tromans will be playing with the band this evening. Celebrating Sanctuary will be hosting the CD launch in early 2016.
- This evening’s session starts at 5pm and runs till around 6.30pm. More here.
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