Search results for

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

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

The state’s farmers are divided over a bill that would loosen rules protecting agricultural land. The goal of a bill proposed by Assembly Democrat Buffy Wicks is to seed solar farms on fallowed fields.

Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Part 1 and 2 Saturdays, Sept.13 + 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. on KPBS 2 or Tuesday, Sept.16 from 8 - 11:30 p.m. on KPBS TV. The policies and persona of Franklin Delano Roosevelt set the cast of the "modern" presidency. He was unquestionably the most vital figure in the nation, and perhaps the world, during his 13 years in the White House. Engendering both admiration and scorn, FDR exerted unflinching leadership during the most tumultuous period in the nation's history since the Civil War.

A Czech playwright introduced the word to English in the 1920s. But back then, it wasn't analogous to machinery. New interpretations of the robot reflect a modernity once skewered by the writer.

California legislative leaders in the wee hours of Wednesday morning reached an agreement with Gov. Gavin Newsom to extend the state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction program, known as cap and trade, through 2045 — a contentious expansion that for weeks stewed in backroom discussions, held up other critical legislation and roiled insiders.

Exhibition runs March 24 - April 24, 2025. Join us for a conversation with artists Jennifer Anne Bennett and Jeanne Dunn. In the gallery, their large-scale canvases envelop us with the omnipresent beauty of Nature. Bennett’s animated brushstrokes and sumptuous color-washes coax luminous landscapes into being. Inspired by the healing experience of Japanese "forest-baths" (shinrin-yoku), Dunn paints a sensual arboreal space using vibrant hues and quasi-representational forms. Free and open to the public. Parking is free on event night on STAFF in Parking Lot 1. Gallery hours: M-Th 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays and Weekends. Visit: https://www.sdmesa.edu/about-mesa/galleries-and-attractions/mesa-college-art-gallery/exhibits/index.shtml

A U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily pausing a series of federal policies aimed at restricting certain immigrants’ access to public benefits and programs.

Adjunct faculty in USD’s College of Arts and Sciences said the university cut courses without bargaining over the impact on union members.

Most city and county of San Diego government offices will be closed today in observance of Juneteenth.