FESTIVALS

Sila and The Afrofunk Experience performs Afrobeat and Afrofunk music for your listening and dancing pleasure. Mixing the legendary sounds of Fela Kuti with some tricks gleaned from James Brown and P-Funk, Sila (who sings in Swahili and English) and company create a dancefloor-ready throb guaranteed to move you. A native of Kenya, band-leader and vocalist Sila is backed by Mike Pitre on trumpet, Andre Webb on trombone, David Boyce on saxophone, bassist Wendell Rand, Bennie Murray on drums, guitarists Ken House and David James, djembe player Karamba, and talking drum player Samba Guisse. They released their critically acclaimed debut album, The Funkiest Man in Africa, in 2006 on Visila Records. The band raises funds at their annual Afrofunk Music Festival on behalf of organizations such as Save the Children, who are working to improve the lives of children in Darfur, Kenya, and Uganda. Sila sings of the African experience: the problems he and many others face every day, in a language understood throughout the world. His lyrics and beats reflect the music, the language, the energy, and the spirit of growing up in Africa.

The City of San Mateo’s signature summer event, 2009 Central Park Music Series provides you with memorable summer evenings of free live music. Whether you are looking to socialize with friends, get some much needed family time, or dance the night away, the 2009 season is sure to be a great time.