The Cool Crooners of Bulawayo

In the 1950s, deep in the heart of southern Africa, they were crazy about mbaqanga, or

"township jazz"--a joyous blend of music from the Black ghettos mixing African rhythms and

traditional chants with western doo-wop and swing. This flourishing tradition was

interrupted for several years by Zimbabwe's war for independence. Today the Cool Crooners

are starting a second life and are once again enchanting audiences with radiant voices

that blend in perfect harmony, retaining the strength and clarity of a bright, blue sky.

PRE-PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION: 6:45 pm

"In spite of war, poverty, disease, corruption, cynicism, and indifference, there is

always a bit of blue sky somewhere." --The Cool Crooners