“Africa Underground” Returns to National Museum of African Art for Black History Month

“Africa Underground” returns Friday, Feb. 22, with an evening of eclectic delights at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art from 7 to 11 p.m. Coming on the heels of a successful last installment of “Africa Underground” in June 2012, this event also offers patrons the chance to enjoy refreshments, dance and the museum exhibitions, as well as performances from around the continent.

Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance online. Entry includes one free drink with ticket purchase. Participants must be 21 to be admitted (IDs will be checked at the door).

The June 2012 “Africa Underground” event sold out in days. This installment will have several exciting new elements, including music by DJ Adrian Loving, who will spin African beats from each region of the continent deep from “Africa Underground” and live music from Eme and Heteru. On air personality DJ Cortney Hicks, of MAJIC 102.3FM will emcee the evening. “We look forward to ‘Africa Underground,’ an exciting way to celebrate the ties between Africa, the African diaspora and the world,” said Johnnetta Betsch Cole, director of the museum. “My hope is that guests will once again leave with a deeper sense of the diverse and dynamic visual arts of Africa.”

Support for “Africa Underground” is provided by Toni Ritzenberg and Afren Plc, and Lucia Riddle.

“Africa Underground” is held twice a year. Each event is themed and features works of art, cuisine from the African diaspora from area restaurants, specialty cocktails, creative art activities, live performances and music entertainment from emerging DJs or music groups.

The museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information, call (202) 633-4600 or visit the National Museum of African Art’s website at africa.si.edu.

Note to editors: To attend or to arrange an interview with a specific guest, contact Eddie Burke at (202) 633-4660 or BurkeE@si.edu.

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