Despite a ton of education and new developments in pharmaceuticals, AIDS continues to thrive. One of the biggest hotbeds is in South Africa.
Edmonton-based Edzimkulu, a society for children and adults touched by AIDS, is partnering with Kokopelli Choir for a benefit concert on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. the Royal Alberta Museum.
Kokopelli Choir, under the leadership of Scott Leithead, has toured South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. Consequently, they’ve formed partnerships with many African choral groups.
Their unconventional concert repertoire ranges from traditional to avant-garde and is chosen from traditions around the world.
Edzimkulu is a leader in HIV education, counselling and treatment and strives to reduce mother to child transmission as well as implementing programs to manage childhood illnesses.
A silent auction will also be held. The museum is at 12845 - 102 Ave. Tickets are $35. Call 780-420-1757 or visit www.tixonthesquare.ca
Anyone searching for a spooktacular fiesta, a Latin Halloween party jam packed with hot moves can join Salsaddiction’s conga line at Northgate Lions Centre Centre on Saturday, Oct. 30.
What better way to ward off the autumn chill than shakin’ your booty to Ricky Martin’s Living La Vida Loca, Enrique Iglesius’ Balaimos or Michael Bublè’s Sway.
And anyone with two left feet can join in the free classes — zumba, salsa, samba, reggaeton and bachata. Snacks are included.
The dance starts at 8 p.m. The centre is located at 7524 – 139 Ave. Cost is $15. Children under 15 receive a free pass. Tickets are available online at www.salsaddiction.com or at tixonthesquare.ca.
Mark Ammar’s Open Stage kicks off this coming Tuesday with three veterans of the local music scene: James Tansey, Sean Grieves and Bill Fuhrer.
Tansey has played guitar and bass for the past 30 years. Influenced by Motown, world, pop, blues, folk and rock, he and spent the ‘80s and ‘90s firing up bands with his special mix up of rock and roll and rhythm and blues.
The Edmonton-born Fuhrer, a bass player on the music scene for the past 35 years, has looked to the Allman Brothers, SRV, Buddy Guy, Deep Purple and Grand Funk for inspiration and modelling. Over the years, he’s performed in a boatload of local bands, but most recently has brought his bass stylings to Blue Gator and Mary Thomas Band.
And Grieves is a lightning keyboardist who displays skills in every genre. With a solid reputation he’s worked with some of the most reputable blues names across Canada including Sam Cockrell and Russell Jackson.
The jam is a LB’s Pub, 23 Akins Dr., starting at 9 p.m. No cover charge.
