Grab your chairs and blankets, pack a picnic lunch, and head outdoors to celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of our community with live music and dance from around the globe at Rhythmix in the Parks.
This summer, celebrate the dynamic cultural traditions of Africa and the African Diaspora at Unity Fest, experience the sounds of zydeco and accordion soul music with Andre Thierry at Franklin Park, immerse yourself in an outdoor, giant puppet theater production with String & Shadow at Jean Sweeney Park, and feel the richness and soul of traditional Powwow dancing and drumming with Native Boogie and Beats at Lincoln Park.
Unity Fest—Celebrating Arts & Culture of Africa and Beyond!
Saturday, June 13, Noon to 5 p.m., Chochenyo Park
Summer in the Parks kicks off with Unity Fest, a free, family-friendly festival celebrating the vibrant cultures and performing arts traditions of Africa and the African Diaspora.
Explore a kaleidoscopic array of music, dance, drumming, hands-on arts activities, food, and more. Enjoy youth activities with Art of the African Diaspora, Prescott Circus, and ARPD, along with performances by Alphabet Rockers, Duniya Dance & Drum Company, Mbira dzaSoko, Michele’s Soul Line Dance, Mufaro weDzimbahwe, and NKAN & the Farya Band.
Alphabet Rockers
Alphabet Rockers make music that sparks change. Founded by Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) and Tommy Shepherd (he/him/they), the Grammy- and Emmy-winning group creates brave spaces to shape a more equitable world through hip-hop. Their music inspires kids and families to stand up to hate and be their brave and beautiful selves.
Duniya Dance & Drum Company
Founded by Punjabi-American dancer Joti Singh and Guinean musician Bongo Sidibe, Duniya Dance and Drum Company (DDDC) is a South Asian and West African racial and immigrant justice performing arts organization. As a company founded and led by West African and South Asian traditional artists, DDDC prioritizes featuring BIPOC artists and works to increase the economic value of their labor.
Fua Dia Kongo
Fua Dia Kongo is a cultural arts organization based at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts in Oakland, dedicated to the preservation and transmission of traditional Kongolese dance, music, and culture. Founded in 1977 by master artist (Ta) Malonga Casquelourd, the organization uplifts a legacy of cultural preservation, community engagement, and embodied healing through the arts, guided by its founding tenet, Wa Dia Fua Yika Dio—what you inherit, you must add value to.
Mbira dzaSoko
Discover the vibrant sounds of Zimbabwe with Mbira dzaSoko, a traditional ensemble founded by Salani “Wamkanganise.” Committed to sharing the beauty of mbira music, the group invites you to immerse yourself in Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage—experience the magic where rhythm and tradition unite, transcending borders and connecting hearts. The ensemble includes Salani Wamkanganise, Kelly Takunda Orphan, Kanukai Chigamba, Michell Marufu, and features Zimbabwean percussionist Kudzi Jambwa.
Michele’s Soul Line Dance
Step into the rhythm and let the music move you! Michele’s Soul Line Dance blends soulful beats, jazzy flair, and high-energy vibes that will have you smiling from the first step to the last. Whether you’re new to line dancing or already love to move, bring your energy and get ready to slide, step, and sway with smooth grooves and fun, easy-to-follow choreography.
Mufaro weDzimbahwe
This electric ensemble pays homage to the music of Zimbabwe. The name of the band reflects the joy of that music. Inspired by mbira music and the electrified sounds of the great artists before them—Thomas Mapfumo, Robson Banda, Oliver Mtukudzi—Mufaro weDzimbahwe is co-led by husband and wife team Salani Wamkanganise and Kelly Takunda Orphan. Salani is a cultural music ambassador from Zimbabwe and Kelly grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area but went to school in Zimbabwe and has a long relationship with traditional musicians since 1994. The band also features Kudzie Jambwa on drums and marimba.
NKAN & the Faraya Band
NKAN is a Nigerian-born Afro-fusion artist based in California, whose music bridges continents, cultures, and stories. Blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary global sounds, she creates a vibrant musical experience rooted in identity, love, and connection. With a performance style that is both energetic and soulful, NKAN has performed at numerous events, festivals, and cultural gatherings, captivating audiences with her authenticity and stage presence. Her recent release, California Love, reflects her personal journey from Lagos to Oakland—a story of movement, discovery, and the beauty of connection across cultures.
Tae Poetically Divine
Shanti (Shawntae) Lair-Croom, also known as Tae (Poetically Divine), is a humanitarian, educator, Certified Wellness Coach II, poet, spoken word artist, award-winning filmmaker, and event host. Her artistic work is known for being inspirational, authentic, and thought-provoking.
Rhythmix in the Parks Summer 2026
After Unity Fest, Summer in the Parks will continue through September with the following free events:
- Andre Thierry Accordion Soul Music | Saturday, July 18, Noon to 2 p.m., Franklin Park.
- String & Shadow Puppet Theater | Friday, August 14, 6:30 p.m., Jean Sweeney Park.
- Native Boogie & Beats | Saturday, September 19, Noon to 2 p.m., Lincoln Park.
