News Release

2002-02

Queen of World Beat, Lorraine Klaasen, Plays the National Library of Canada

Ottawa, January 28, 2002  -  To kick off Black History Month, the African Heritage Centre, in collaboration with the National Library of Canada, is presenting Lorraine Klaasen and Soweto Groove in a benefit concert for the African Heritage Centre. The concert is being held in the National Library auditorium, at 395 Wellington Street, on Thursday, January 31, 2002, at 8:00 p.m.

Born in South Africa and now living in Montreal, Lorraine Klaasen, the "Queen of World Beat", brings to life the diverse cultures of her native continent using music and dance that incorporates the finest tropical rhythms and a distinctive expression of African song. Musicologist, singer and also choreographer, she adds the jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues styles she has picked up in North America to form a musical mix of world beat.

The National Library of Canada is pleased to partner with the African Heritage Centre to celebrate Black History Month. The federal government officially declared February Black History Month in 1995, but since the 1960s many groups have celebrated the significant contributions African-Canadians have and continue to make to our country.

The National Library of Canada, the federal cultural agency responsible for collecting, preserving and promoting Canada’s published literary and musical heritage, regularly organizes exhibitions, concerts, readings, book launches and other special events related to this legacy.

For ticket information, contact the African Heritage Centre at 613-789-1991.

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Information:

Pauline M. Portelance
Media Relations Officer
National Library of Canada
Telephone: 613-996-6128
Cell: 613-293-4298