Umar Bin Hassan

Umar is like no other musician on earth. His words bring a truth that will not be denied, and a sense of urgency that cannot be ignored. As a member of the 60's catalyst, the Last Poets, Umar traveled the world ryhming out against racism and injustice always backed by hypnotic percussion. Today, the message is one of unity and internal struggle, and Umar is still in the studio and on the march. Umar recently performed with Common, on his latest single "On the Corner" and recently appeared on MTV's Making the Video with Common, and the Jay Leno Show. For more information on Umar Bin Hassan, visit www.umarbinhassan.com.

Leon Mobley

Djembe player Leon Mobley's mission of preserving African cultures and presenting West African dance music evolved from hand drum studies at the age of six in Boston with Nigerian Master drummer Babatunde Olatunji.

Wanting to further explore his cultural roots, Mobley founded Da Lion, a percussion ensemble whose members produce a music that encompasses Western African and Latin rhythms combined with funk and hip-hop, creating a new and exciting African-American form of music.

Leon is currently on tour with Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals. For more information on Leon Mobley, please visit www.leonmobley.com