2011 Evening Concerts

Thursday, June 30
Motor City Stage, 6 - 9PM
An Evening with Soul Train and Dance Party

A panel discussion with Kenard Gibbs, the current CEO/Partner of Soul Train holdings; Tony Cornelius, son of “Soul Train” founder Don Cornelius; Tyrone Proctor, dancer and member of the original Soul Train Gang; Nick “NickFRESH” Puzo, DJ and Soul Train historian; and Questlove, Soul Train historian and drummer for the Roots. This is followed by a dance demonstration and party.

Click here for more information about the Soul Train concert.

Friday, July 1
Al Son Que Me Toquen Stage, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Recorrido musical por Colombia: Expresiones citadinas y ritmos caribeños

A Musical Journey through Colombia: City Expressions and Caribbean Rhythms

• Circo Ciudad (Bogotá)
• Tango de Medellín
• Don Abundio y sus Traviesos (Mompox/Momposino Depression)

Friday, July 1
Motor City Stage, 6 – 8 p.m.
An Evening with Miss Martha Reeves

A conversation with Motown legend Miss Martha Reeves (formerly of Martha and the Vandellas) will be followed by a performance of some of the smash hits from her forty-year career.

Click here to read more about this concert.

Saturday, July 2
Al Son Que Me Toquen Stage, 6 – 8 p.m.
Chirimía la Contundencia, Cimarrón (Smithsonian Folkways)

La Contundencia plays chirimía, a traditional genre of the northern Pacific region played by small brass bands. They are considered the most iconic band interpreting traditional Pacífico music. Cimarrón makes its third Festival appearance, performing music from the upcoming album ¡Cimarrón! Joropo Music from the Plains of Colombia (available by June 28 at folkways.si.edu). The ensemble is known for their explosive música llanera (plains music) and fast-paced, triple-meter joropo.

Saturday, July 2
Motor City Stage, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
An Evening with Swamp Dogg

Celebrated performer, songwriter, producer Jerry Williams Jr. unleashes the wild and eclectic music of “Swamp Dogg,” showcasing his iconoclastic sensibilities and soulful voice.

Sunday, July 3
World Stage, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
The Garifuna Collective featuring Umalali

These multi-generational performers from Belize and Guatemala continue the mission of their founder, the late Andy Palacio, to preserve Garifuna language and culture through music.

Sunday, July 3
Motor City Stage, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
An Evening with The Funk Brothers

Veteran members of The Funk Brothers, who were Motown Records studio musicians, and their touring band perform the classics whose sound they helped define.

Thursday, July 7
Motor City Stage, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
An Evening with Fred Wesley and The New JBs

Legendary trombone player Fred Wesley Jr., who has performed with and composed and arranged for the likes of James Brown and George Clinton, showcases his jazz-funk sound and why he’s considered the “world’s funkiest
trombone player.”

Friday, July 8
Al Son Que Me Toquen Stage, 6 -8:30 p.m.
Recorrido musical por Colombia: Bailando salsa, carranguena y joropo

Musical Journey through Colombia: Dancing salsa, carranguena, and joropo

• Salsa de Cali
• El Pueblo Canta (Andean Highlands)
• Grupo Cabrestero (Southeastern Plains)

Friday, July 8
Motor City Stage, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
An Evening with The Dixie Cups®

This celebrated three-part female vocal harmony group presents the singing, style, and energy that contributed to their string of 1960s hits such as “Chapel of Love” and
“Iko Iko.”

Saturday, July 9
Al Son Que Me Toquen Stage, 6 -8 p.m.
Aires del Campo, Ayombe (Smithsonian Folkways)

Aires del Campo, a traditional string music ensemble from Colombia’s Coffee Region, performs Andean music as well as party tunes of the Paisa culture. Ayombe performs the lively accordion-driven music from the award-winning album ¡Ayombe! The Heart of Colombia's Música Vallenata and Smithsonian Channel documentary The Accordion Kings.

Saturday, July 9
World Stage, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ralph Rinzler Memorial Concert: Remembering Kate Rinzler
with Elizabeth Mitchell, Suni Paz, Chip Taylor and the Grandkids, and others

This evening of family-friendly music is a tribute to Kate Rinzler. Elizabeth Mitchell recorded two acclaimed albums for Smithsonian Folkways and will make her Festival debut with Suni Paz, singing songs in English and Spanish. Chip Taylor and the Grandkids perform songs from the upcoming album Golden Kids Rules.

Click here to read a tribute to Kate Rinzler.

Sunday, July 10
World Stage, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Peruvian Music and Dance with Peru Gozando

This evening of Peruvian music and dance features Peru Gozando, a local
five-piece band that plays a diverse repertoire of Peruvian folk music.

Sunday, July 10
Motor City Stage, 6 – 8 p.m.
An Evening with Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff and Tribute to Philadelphia International Records

During their careers, Gamble and Huff wrote and produced more than 170 gold and platinum records for artists such as the O’Jays, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, and Patti LaBelle. In 1971, the pair formed Philadelphia International Records and released some of the most popular soul music of the 1970s.