You may have heard his tracks on TV shows including ER, Weeds, Dexter, and Animal Kingdom, but seeing and hearing Ghanaian Afro roots superstar Rocky Dawuni live on stage on the opening night of Music Haven’s 33rd season promises an experience that will have you dancing in the aisles. This is an event made to create memories that last a lifetime. Showtime is Sunday, (July 9th) at 7 p.m. in Central Park, Schenectady.
CNN called him one of Africa’s Top 10 global stars. He’s a singer, songwriter, and producer who mixes reggae, Afrobeat, highlife, and soul music. The three-time Grammy nominee has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Bono, and John Legend. He’s also an activist; a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa; a UN Foundation Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance; and a Global Ambassador for the World Day of African and Afrodescendant Culture. “I will cause so much trouble when I speak what’s on my mind,” he sings in the opening lines of his 2020 EP Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1. This promises to be a show that moves the head, heart, and feet.
Opening the night are Capital Region percussionist Zorkie Nelson and Umoja Drummers, who bring the thunder on homemade Ghanaian instruments.
Courtyard by Marriott at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady is Rain Site Sponsor.
Upcoming shows at Music Haven:
Thursday, July 13 at 7: La Banda Morisca
This spirited sextet from Southern Spain pays homage to their ancient Al-Andalus cultural heritage while rocking it forward with rich sonic accents from North Africa’s Maghreb Desert and the Middle East. Special Guest: Maria Zemantauski
Sunday, July 15 at 7: Joey Alexander
Music Haven first presented this multiple Grammy-nominated jazz sensation in 2015. The Indonesian pianist’s star has only risen since then, with appearances at the world’s most prestigious festivals and events. Special Guests: Joe Barna & Sketches of Influence
Saturday, July 22: Nipperfest Music & Arts Festival 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Celebrate our local creative community with 17 bands on two stages of great original music, including Billboard AAA Top 40 artists Jocelyn and Chris, an artist pavilion, food trucks, and craft beer. Go here for more information.
Sunday, July 23 at 7: Sona Jobarteh
Gambian singer, educator, and activist Sona Jobarteh is the first professional female Kora virtuoso to hail from any of the great West African Griot dynasties. Check out her trailblazing interview on 60 Minutes. Special Guests: Heard
Sunday, July 30, 5 to 9: Blues BBQ featuring Vanessa Collier, Johnny Sansone, and Jontavious Willis
This is the most significant blues blast of the summer featuring three acts that represent the best of the current acts in the genre. 2023 Blues Music Award’s reigning Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, Collier, honks a mean sax. New Orleans multi-instrumentalist Sansone and Taj Mahal protégé Willis make this an undeniable triple bill.
Saturday, August 5, 7 pm.: Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra
Under the baton of Artistic Director Glen Cortese, the SSSO returns with “Legends of Broadway”—selections from beloved musicals including West Side Story, Les Miserables, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and more. Special Guest vocalists: Amy Decker and Casey Gray
Sunday, August 6 at 7 p.m. Eileen Ivers
The original star of Riverdance and a nine-time All-Ireland fiddle champion, she’s played with Sting, The Chieftains, and symphony orchestras alike and has been called “The future of the Celtic fiddle.” Special Guests: The McKrells
Friday, August. 11, 5 to 9 In the Heights
Before Hamilton, Broadway wunderkind Lin Manuel Miranda created this Tony Award-winning musical about life in the barrio. A block party with Latin food and music by Taina Asili precedes the screening. Presented in partnership with Albany Latin Fest Association and Film Schenectady.
Sunday, August 13 at 7 p.m. Aditya Prakash Ensemble
One of the youngest musicians to ever perform with sitar legend Ravi Shankar, Prakash is a master of South Indian Karnatik singing whose fearless musical vision incorporates jazz and funk, creating an ultra-hip world music experience. Special Guests: SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo
Sunday, August 20 at 7 p.m. Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole
One of the brightest young talents to emerge in Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco over the last decade, Watson is a four-time Grammy-nominated fiddler, singer, accordionist, and songwriter with seemingly unlimited potential. Special Guests: Old-Fashioned Aces
Friday and Saturday, August 25–26 at 7 p.m. Will Kempe’s Players
Will Kempe’s Players share the love, lies, and laughter of back-to-back Shakespearean comedies (The Taming of the Shrew on Friday and Two Gentlemen of Verona on Saturday), boasting surprises, skullduggery, hijinks, and even a little music. Special Guests: Period music by Andy Rutherford (lute) and Yvonne Hansbrough (flute).
