Samba Mapangala and Orchestra Virunga Launch the Skirball's Sunset Concerts, 7/26

Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga launch the Skirball Cultural Center's annual Sunset Concerts series on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 8:00 PM. The concert, free of charge, will be held in the Skirball's scenic central courtyard. Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga's music is an infectious blend of rumba and soukous from Congo with earthier Kenyan and Tanzanian styles. Following a recent appearance at the prestigious WOMAD festival, The Independent (UK) proclaimed, "[Samba] makes you wonder why African music still awaits its Marley moment of global breakthrough."
 
The Skirball Cultural Center's Sunset Concerts, curated by Skirball Vice President of Programs, Jordan Peimer, offers community concerts free of charge representing music from around the globe.  The 2012 series continues with the West Coast premiere of The Alaev Family (August 2); West Coast premiere of Orquesta Sarabia under the direction of Roberto Rodriguez (August 9); West Coast premiere of De Temps Antan (August 16); La Santa Cecilia (August 23); and world premiere of Eric Bibb's String Band (August 30).
 
For each live performance, the expansive outdoor space is transformed into an intimate, celebratory gathering. Concertgoers arrive early to dine under the stars, visit the museum galleries, and explore the Skirball's spectacular architecture and hillside setting. Then, as the performers take the stage, festivities spill out into the aisles and music lovers of all ages sing along and take to the dance floor.

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500 ⋅ www.skirball.org