Bluemont Summer Concert with Afrolachia

The Bluemont Concert Series is proud to present Afrolachia on Sunday, July 12th at 7:00 PM for the third of six Sunday evening concerts held at Old Loudoun Courthouse, located at 18 East Market St. in historic, downtown Leesburg.

All are welcome at these family-oriented events and are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and a picnic to enjoy before the show. There is a requested donation of $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont Friends and seniors, and $2 for kids twelve and under. Proceeds go to support Bluemont’s year-round Artist-In-Education program in area schools. All Leesburg concerts begin at 7:00 pm. As at all Bluemont concerts, no pets, alcohol or smoking are allowed. In bad weather, the concerts will be held indoors at the Leesburg United Methodist Church Asbury Hall, located at 107 West Market Street.

Afrolachia is very much a blending of the styles of two established artists. Cheick Hamala Diabate is a West African historian in the Griot tradition, as well as a recognized master of the ngoni, a traditional Malian instrument. A performer sought after in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Canada, Cheick began touring the US in 1995. He has performed in venues such as the Smithsonian Institute, the Kennedy Center, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, among many others. Danny Knicely comes from a musical family with roots in mountain music for generations. He was first taught music by his grandfather, A.O. Knicely, who has been performing at dances and other events in the Shenandoah Valley since the 1930’s. Danny has used his background to explore music from all around the world. He has collaborated with other musicians in dozens of countries across four continents, including US State Department tours in Tunisia and Morocco.

Bluemont relies on more than 1,200 volunteers each summer to ensure that performances go smoothly. Additionally, the organization relies on the support of local businesses and community organizations. If you would like to volunteer this summer, are a local business owner who would like to donate a door prize, or are part of a civic group interested in getting involved please contact Morgan Pearson at (540) 955-8186. Businesses interested in sponsoring Bluemont are encouraged to contact Lily Dunning at (540) 955-8186 or email lily@bluemont.org.

Bluemont Cultural Programs and Summer Concert Series have truly become a part of the fabric of the Loudoun community. Bluemont is currently seeking out local businesses, friends and neighbors to become Bluemont members help assure the organizations future in Loudoun County. Many friends and families have responded to our recent mailing asking for general support. This year, every contribution will help.

Bluemont partners and major donors from the private sector include the Town of Leesburg, Waterborne Environmental, Bullock and Associates, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Wells Fargo Advisors, Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company, The Gerald and Paula McNichols Family Foundation, Middleburg Bank, Dominion Foundation, Target, Walmart, and more than 250 local businesses and 1,200 friends and families.

This summer, Bluemont will present more than 40 concerts in seven communities in northwest and central Virginia including: Ashland, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Leesburg, Middleburg, Warrenton and Winchester. For complete schedules, performer descriptions, directions and more information, please visit the Bluemont website at www.bluemont.org.