West Africa Music Festival: Sept. 21 at Redhook

From Afrobeat to traditional drumming and dance, four bands will celebrate Portsmouth’s third annual West Africa Day Sunday, Sept. 21 at an outdoor, afternoon festival at Redhook Brewery.

The family-friendly festival will benefit Rain for the Sahel and Sahara (RAIN), a Seacoast organization that promotes education and livelihoods in Niger, West Africa.

“West Africa has influenced music around the world, including blues, jazz, reggae, rap, and hip-hop,” says Julia D’Orazio, RAIN staffer. “The musical lineup reflects that diaspora -- all of it will make you want to dance.”

That’s especially true, she said, of the horn-infused Federator No.1, which taps members of a range of Boston-based Afro-pop, jazz and blues bands.

The exciting lineup also includes the global sounds of Randy Armstrong & Beyond Borders, the thrilling dancing and drumming of Akwaaba Ensemble and the Seacoast West African Dance and Drum Group. Mayor Robert Lister will be on hand to proclaim West Africa Day in Portsmouth.

The outdoor festival – noon to 5 pm – is at Redhook Brewery, 1 Redhook Way, Pease International Tradeport. Attendees are welcome to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Parking is free.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $8 for children under 16. Group rates for more than 10 are also available. For more information, call 603-371-0676, or order tickets online at www.westafricafest.eventbrite.com.

Rain for the Sahel and Sahara, founded in 2002, is dedicated to increasing access to education for Niger’s nomadic people. The Agadez Learning Center is RAIN’s newest project - making the dream of secondary education possible for rural students.

RAIN is working with the Executive Service Corps, a nonprofit volunteer consulting organization based in Hampton, NH to provide assistance by experienced executives and professionals with a broad range of expertise.

http://www.nonprofit-consultants.org/. RAIN would also like to thank Cathy Wolff of Foreside Communications.

Submitted text.