A quick glimpse of the Sam Boshnack Quintet might reveal a typical jazz band complete with trumpet, clarinet, piano, drums and bass. But the band incorporates more than just traditional jazz music: They also string together influences from around the world, anything from salsa to Balkan music, into the pieces they play. Read more...

Photo: The Sam Boshnack Quintet, formed by trumpeter and vocalist Samantha Boshnack, meshes jazz, salsa and Balkan genres. The group will tour for the first time to promote its latest album, “Exploding Syndrome.” (Courtesy of Bruce Tom)

The heart of West African culture is being set to a beat and rhythm as the DAFRA Drum ensemble prepares to perform at the Fowler Museum on Aug. Read more...

Photo: The DAFRA Drum ensemble from Burkina Faso celebrates West African culture through traditional and contemporary music and dance. (Courtesy of DAFRA Drum)