Jazz Journey Dance Concert: The Rhythms of Congo Square

Titos Sompa, master drummer, dancer and choreographer, from Brazzaville, Congo.

RHYTHMS OF CONGO SQUARE
A Jazz Journey Dance Concert presented by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

Titos Sompa, the master dancer, choreographer and drummer from Congo will perform along with several of New Orleans' top African and Afro-Caribbean dance troupes in a special Jazz Journey dance concert on Saturday, March 24, at Tulane University's Dixon Hall.

Sompa was born in Brazzaville, Congo, and as a chile met Louis Armstrong when the legendary New Orleans trumpeter was on a tour through the region. It had a profound impact on the young Titos. His performances in New Orleans, in conjunction with the Foundation's Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival, bring him full-circle in his musical journey.

Tulane University dance instructor and Kumbuka African Dance Collective leader Aussettua Amor Amenkum is the artistic coordinator of the concert, titled "Rhythms of Congo Square."

The performance will tell through dance the history of Congo Square, the famous spot in New Orleans where in the 18th and 19th century African slaves were permitted to gather to sell good, trade news and perform their traditional drumming and dance.

Additional performers include: N'Kafu Traditional African Dance Company, Tekrema Dance Theatre, the Brazilian-inspired Casa Samba, and Kumbuka.

Admission is free.