Restlessly peripatetic, incessantly improvisational and always brilliant - that ain't no forehead, that's an eight head! Eight Head is percussionist Marc Anderson, bassist Jim Anton, drummer J.T. Bates, and guitarist Dean Magraw; purveyors of a remarkably fresh, jaw droppingly sophisticated and infectiously groovy vibe. They bring vast experience and variety onto the stage, making effortless transitions from soft textures and thoughtful improvisation to infectious polyrhythms and driving funk. Eight Head will be joined by Louis Alemayehu, one of the founders of the award-winning poetry/jazz ensemble Ancestor Energy. Alemayehu is a writer, educator, poet, father, grandfather, performer and activist of African and Native American heritage.

This concert is in support of the Puntland Resource and Service Center in Garowe, Puntland (Somalia), which began construction in January. The project (initiated by Somali Family Services here in the Twin Cities) is envisaged to improve collaboration between civilian organizations and the Puntland government, and to help promote good governance. This will be the first resource center in the entire Puntland region, which has an area only slightly less than that of Minnesota, and hosts a population of about 2.4 million. The Center will have internet connectivity, conference halls, a library, a small coffee shop, photo copiers, and stationery supplies. According to Puntland Resource and Service Center board of directors vice chair Mohamed Hassan Osman, "This center will be the hub of civil society in Puntland and it is our dream to establish similar centers in the other major towns of Puntland to enhance and strengthen civil society and the education in Puntland as a whole."

This event is sponsored by Metropolitan State Global Development Project and Somali Family Services.

To make a donation for the Puntland Resource and Service Center, please mail a check (write "Puntland Resource and Service Center" in the Memo section) to:

Somali Family Services,

310 East 38th Street Suite # CR--I

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 55409

or use the handy online donation link below.

Tickets $20

Call Cedar Ticketline 612-338-2674 ext 2, or visit Cedar outlets, or online at Ticketweb.