In honor of Black History of Month, this concert highlights the musical traditions of the African Diaspora. In a rare presentation of traditional African music and dance juxtaposed with blues, jazz and gospel, “African Roots, African American Fruits” offers a loosely-chronological trajectory of the African experience in the New World as told through music. In addition to standard compositions that represent the various genres, a new composition which celebrates the unity of African and African American cultures will be premiered. Featured performers will include Nigerian Master Drummer, Francis Awe, gospel vocalists from the local Pasadena area, and faculty members of the Jazz Studies Department of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.