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Gyedu Blay Ambolley is a musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, with a staggering 29 albums under his belt. Known affectionately as the "Simigwa Do Man,” Ambolley’s musical journey began in the vibrant port city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. His early fascination with music blossomed into a lifelong passion. From mastering his father’s flute at the tender age of eight, to honing his guitar skills under the mentorship of “Uncle Bonku," Sammy Lartey and Ebo Taylor, Ambolley’s musical odyssey has been nothing short of extraordinary. This all led to Ambolley becoming a musical life force and exploding on the scene in 1973 with a jazzy highlife sound called "SIMIGWA-DO." His name has become synonymous with Simigwa music and dance. Coming of age amidst the zenith of Ghana’s highlife era, Ambolley emerged as a pivotal figure in its evolution, lending his talents to esteemed bands such as Houghas Extraordinaires, Meridians Of Tema and Ghana Broadcasting Band. It was during this time that he caught the attention of his compatriot and friend, Ebo Taylor, who recruited Ambolley to be a member of the Uhuru Dance Band. This all lead to a transformative journey to Nigeria in 1973, where they shared the stage with the legendary Fela Kuti at his renowned Shrine venue. 1975 Debut Album "Simigwa": Gyedu Blay Ambolley’s groundbreaking debut solo album, released in 1975, stands as a cornerstone of Ghanaian music history - with one of the most iconic album covers! "Simigwa" stands as Ambolley’s magnum opus, a masterpiece fusing together the rich tapestry of highlife, afrobeat, folk and funk. The album is a true testament to Ambolley’s unparalleled artistry written and produced in collaboration with the legend Ebo Taylor. Ambolley not only embraces his musical roots but also pioneers the fusion of Ghanaian highlife with soul and funk influences from across the Atlantic. With "Simigwa," Ambolley seized the opportunity to showcase his own musical prowess and embark on a journey of experimentation. A main inspiration for this album was the work of the mighty Mr. James Brown, something that is evident from the rhythm section, horns, vocal stabs and percussion breaks throughout the record. Performance: For the first time in the US, Gyedu Blay Ambolley will be performing his 1975 debut album in its entirety! Bringing his 8 piece band from Ghana, they will perform the pioneering masterpiece "Simigwa." Gyedu Blay Ambolley on Instagram

Join Us for Varenyky Making Day! We’re thrilled to invite you to our Varenyky Making Day, where you’ll get hands-on experience making iconic Ukrainian dish – varenyky, potato filled dumplings. Best of all, this event is completely FREE and open to everyone! About the Dish: Varenyky: These Ukrainian dumplings are made by wrapping unleavened dough around various fillings, like potato, cheese, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or fruit, then cooking them in boiling water. Varenyky are often served with sour cream, fried onions, or both, adding even more flavor to this comforting dish. Whether you speak Ukrainian, English, or both, you’re warmly invited to bring your enthusiasm and help us prepare for Ukrainian Festival in Balboa Park. Join us to master the art of varenyky! House of Ukraine on Facebook / Instagram

Smooth Operator Live: The Ultimate Tribute to Sade’s Seductive Sound Experience the sultry, sophisticated sounds of Sade like never before with Smooth Operator, the premier tribute band celebrating her timeless music. Led by dynamic percussionist Tony Young and fronted by the soulful vocals of Jessica “Jaye Nicole” Phillips, this ensemble of world-class musicians delivers a smooth, immersive performance that honors the elegance and emotional depth of Sade’s iconic sound. With members who have shared the stage with legends like Slave, Christina Aguilera, Ike Turner, and George Benson, Smooth Operator fuses technical brilliance with heartfelt tribute. Their polished arrangements, lush saxophone lines, and deep grooves will transport you from San Marcos to the velvet lounges of London. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of Sade’s greatest hits—live in the intimate, acoustically rich setting of The Bornemann Theatre. The Bornemann Theatre on Facebook / Instagram

Spark your imagination this summer during Discovery Days at The Forum Carlsbad! This complimentary summer series will be held every Thursday morning in July from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Garden Area near YETI. On July 3, celebrate the July 4th holiday with vocal performances by the Star Spangle Sisters. Plus, guests can interact with a pilot while creating an airplane to take home (one per guest). Adult supervision is required. Also enjoy special activations by participating retailers. Snack Station by Jimbo's Coloring Books by Rylee + Cru Lemonade Stand by Warby Parker Refreshments by YETI Samples by Tubby Todd Bath Co.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Thursday halting further expansion and ordering the winding down of an immigration detention center built in the middle of the Florida Everglades.

KPBS spoke with Corey Gustafson and Kyle Krahel-Frolander of the San Diego Republican and Democratic parties respectively to get their take on President Trump’s first four months in office.

When it comes to clearing homeless encampments, California cities are governed by a patchwork of very different policies.

The city of San Diego Thursday began a needs assessment to understand the recreation needs of its many neighborhoods.

A new report co-authored by a UC Riverside child psychologist warns that aggressive immigration enforcement is taking a serious mental health toll on children in immigrant and mixed-status families.

Premieres Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS app. Revisit 1940s Los Angeles, when a mysterious cloud of smoke descended over the city, sickening residents. The struggle to determine the cause and then the cure for smog would take years of scientific investigation and bipartisan determination.