From SMS: African Diaspora Music Festival in Shaw, July 3, 2010

As an initial note -- sorry for my silence of late. I hope to resume regular posting now.

If your Saturday afternoon is not already booked, Shaw Main Streest provides an excitement on upper Ninth tomorrow (Saturday, July 3, 2010):

As part of the monthly First Saturday events sponsored by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Shaw Main Streets will present the first ever African Diaspora Music Festival on Saturday, July 3, 2010, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The public is invited to enjoy free live performances of musical styles created by people of African descent, in air conditioned comfort at three venues on the 1900 block of 9th Street, NW. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

At Little Ethiopia Restaurant (1924 9th Street, NW), one of Washington City Paper’s 50 Most Fascinating Restaurants for 2010, you’ll hear Yehunie Belay and His Band playing traditional and popular Ethiopian music, and see dancers demonstrating how to move to the groove.

At La Carbonara Italian Restaurant (1926 9th Street, NW), listen to traditional and contemporary Jazz by CDH Brassworks.

And thrill to the high-energy Afro-Caribbean stylings of the HR 57 All Stars at El Sol de America Restaurant, which serves Mexican/Salvadoran cuisine (1930 9th Street, NW).

Be sure to ask about food and drink specials at each venue.

Maps with these and other exciting destinations will be distributed at the southwest corner of 9th and U Streets, NW, during the event.

Metro: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Station
(Green and Yellow Lines).

For more information, call Shaw Main Streets at 202-265-SHAW
or email shawmainstreetsinc@gmail.com.

First Saturday events are sponsored by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, DC Main Streets, and the Historical Society of Washington, DC.