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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

The meandering trial of the hip-hop mogul can be difficult to parse. Here's a broad overview of the charges and the case the government has presented to the jury.

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

Answer our six-question multiple-choice quiz and find out which candidates align with you on important issues before the 2025 special general election for county supervisor in District 1.

Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Savor the Eternal City’s history and culture paired with Italian wines. We hear tales of good and evil set among Rome’s monuments, fountains, aqueducts, and sculpture—heroes and villains paired with vino Italiano. About Barbara Baxter Barbara Baxter studied wine academically at the Sorbonne in Paris and has continued her inquiry into the heritage of wine for more than a decade. She created visitor education programs for Francis Ford Coppolaʼs Rubicon Estate and has worked for Napa Valleyʼs most prestigious wineries: Sterling Vineyards and Opus One. She is the editor of Planet Wine and has also made wine in Napa Valley. Baxter has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, has lectured at major museums and universities in California, including the Getty Malibu, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Athenaeum Arts & Music Library, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Orange County, and The Huntington. Tickets: $60/65 The lecture will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for this event. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. Priority seating will be given to Donor level members and above.

Come see what we've been making! Join us on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for our annual Graduate Open Studios and Open House. Graduate studios, classrooms, labs, and galleries will be filled with art and open for viewing. Students and faculty will be on hand to show their work, demonstrate art processes, answer questions, and provide tours. No RSVP is required, and this event is free to attend and open to all! Open Studios aligns with Explore SDSU, where prospective students will engage with the larger SDSU community and visit the campus with their families. This event is a great way to become acquainted or reacquainted with the School of Art and Design and all the exciting things we create! Please email artinfo@sdsu.edu with any questions. SDSU School of Art and Design on Facebook / Instagram

In the first feature film co-directed by an Israeli and an Iranian, Tatami, an Iranian judoka must choose between her country and a run for the gold at the World Judo Championships.

The Island Vibe Music Festival is a one-day event that incorporates musical performers High Watah, Anuhea, Siaosi, Bo Napoleon and dancers from across the Pacific Islands including Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. The event will also feature unique cultural dancers, a vendor village showcasing Islander–inspired merchandise, art, apparel and the taste of the Islands with mouth-watering foods. Visit: Island Vibe Music Festival 2025

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson's career spans over four decades of hits. He has received numerous awards, including the GRAMMY Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. This year of 2025 will mark the 50th ANNIVERSARY of his 1975 breakthrough album, "A Quiet Storm." His tour “Smokey Legacy Tour” will highlight this 50th anniversary as well as celebrate all of his top hits throughout the decades. Throughout his 60+ year music career, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit and continues to thrill sold-out audiences worldwide with his high tenor voice, impeccable timing, and profound sense of lyric and style. Please note: the San Diego Symphony Orchestra does not appear on this concert event. Smokey Robinson on Facebook / Instagram

Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. –11 a.m. July 7–11 (5 days, 10 total hours of instruction) AAC Classroom All claws on deck! Let your imagination run wild to create fanciful creatures, ferocious animals, fang-tastic monsters, and furry pets - or invent a creature of your very own! Students will start with a drawing then bring creatures to life. Starting with a ball of clay, students will learn the basics of clay sculpting with just a few tools. To ensure safety, no sharp tools will be involved in creature-making. Beginner-friendly! No pottery experience is necessary. Max students: 10 Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/class/summer-7 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook