Prudence and Zuri in a Concert of African Jazz June 12, 2011

PRUDENCE AND ZURI JOIN FOR A CONCERT OF AFRICAN JAZZ AT THE MERCURY CAFE

In 2009, Prudence Mabhena, a disabled young woman from Zimbabwe, was the subject of the Academy Award-winning documentary, " Music by Prudence." Since then, her bright smile and brilliant voice have been seen with her band "Liyana" on stages in Europe, Africa, and the US. Early this year she was brought to the US for surgery to straighten her spine through the generosity and spirit of Denver restaurateur and philanthropist, Noel Cunningham. As she slowly recovered, we became acquainted and began to plan a collaboration featuring Prudence and the band Zuri in a program of African music! On Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m., on stage at the Mercury Café, Prudence will sing again!!! This is a rare opportunity and a chance to see and hear a marvelous example of the human spirit - a person who feels so happy to be alive and who refuses to "give up." In addition to the documentary, she can be seen on www.liyanatour.com and by Googling "Prudence sings Amazing Grace at the Kennedy Center."

This concert has two purposes: First, to enable music lovers in Denver to hear a rare talent and second, also to raise funds for the Cunningham Foundation (www.cunninghamfoundation.org) for Prudence's school where she teaches. Through the school in Zimbabwe, she is able to teach disabled and orphaned children, organize her band, and re-establish her life after this dramatic surgery. Join us for an afternoon of hot African rhythms and the soaring voice of Prudence! Tickets can be purchased online after May 10 by going to the band's website, www.zurimusic.com.

Performers:
Prudence Mabhena, vocals
Jeff Jenkins, piano
Gabe Mervine, trumpet
Peter Sommer, tenor sax
Jim Bailey, cello
John Grigsby, bass
Greg Harris, vibes and percussion
Ido Ziv, percussion
Mark Emmons, percussion
Mercury Cafe
Prudence and Zuri in a Concert of African Jazz
Sunday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m.
$30 - Mercury Cafe 2199 California St.
303-294-9258 - www.mercurycafe.com