Zimbabwean Superstars Mokoomba to Open Music Haven’s 34th Season July 7

SCHENECTADY —Mokoomba, a vibrant guitar-and-vocal-driven sextet hailing from the southern bank of the Zambesi River, open the 34th Music Haven season at Central Park in Schenectady at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 7.

Revered worldwide for roof-shaking performances at venues like New York City’s famed Apollo Theater, London’s 100 Club and Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, Mokoomba, also a hit at the WOMAD World Music Festival, has shared stages with the legendary Hugh Masekela, Baaba Maal and Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. The group’s latest disc, Tusona—another dose of soul/funk, reggae and African soukous—is subtitled “Tracings in the Sand.”

Supporting Mokoomba is Albany’s Jordan Taylor Hill, a West African drummer and educator, who will lead a hand-chosen selection of percussionists and dancers he trains in Afropop traditions. 

A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase at all shows, beginning at 6 p.m. on 7 p.m. concert nights and throughout festivals and special events.

In the case of inclement weather, Proctors (432 State St. Schenectady) remains the official rain site for Music Haven.