The Sedona Film Festival is thrilled to bring Groove Oasis to the Mary D. Fisher Theatre for a lively, invigorating concert performance on Friday, Aug. 29 at 4:00 p.m.

Bring your friends and experience the exotic mix of African drums, blues and dance music with the one and only Groove Oasis featuring the incredible talents of Vusi Shibambo on African drums and marimba, Jim Pope on harmonica and cajon and Keith Martini on guitar.

Groove Oasis grew from Vusi and Keith Martini playing together for many years and then Jim Pope's arrival in Sedona. This trio of musicians will take you on a mesmerizing journey of sound, with their unique sound blending traditional African rhythms, soulful blues and energetic dance beats. Groove Oasis will transport you to a musical paradise that is sure to make your heart skip a beat.

Baba 'Vusi' Shibambo
Baba 'Vusi' Shibambo is a Master Hand Drummer, an international touring performer and recording artist. He was born in South Africa, a Zulu, and grew up during the Apartheid era. The Shibambos were esteemed as caretakers of the tribe's animal skins for clothing and most importantly for their drums, having vast amounts of land and many cattle, a sign of true prosperity.

Vusi began playing traditional African drums as a boy, later touring internationally with South African stage productions, both musical and theatrical, even playing for Nelson Mandela. He is a multi-instrumentalist, playing percussion, African djembe, uudu, conga, marimba, mbira (kalimba or finger piano) and he also plays the haunting Bushman's bow. His unique, "Safari Rhythm of Culture in the Classrooms," Project has been successful in a variety of educational setting.

Keith Martini
Keith Martini is a Musician/Composer who has been in Sedona for over 30 years. Formally trained in classical guitar at SUNY Buffalo (in the early 90's), he has also studied with jazz instructors Pat Martino, Tuck Andress and Stanley Jordan. Keith and Stanley also collaborated on education and music school development, he has been a Professor at Yavapai College teaching guitar in a classroom and privately.

Keith has performed countless gigs ranging from coffee shop solos, bars, conventions, private parties, TV appearance on national telethon, rock operas, funk bands, techno, blues, heavy metal, Flamenco, free and standard jazz, Classical concertos, improv dance, fill in soloist for a variety of groups. He has produced and written albums for a variety of artists and says, "I realize I still haven't even begun to do it all. I'm always seeking new exciting creative opportunities to explore.

Jim Pope
Jim Pope is a professional rock vocalist and front man hailing from Mount Vernon NY. After a lifetime of visiting family in Arizona year after year, he relocated to Sedona. With a degree in music and business management, and nearly 2 decades of sales and managerial experience with one of the largest musical instrument retailers in the entire country, he has developed true, hands on, working knowledge of many musical styles, instruments, and sound gear both inside and out.

He fell in love with the blues harmonica, and later the cajon, also known as a box drum. Over time, he began singing, playing harmonica, and cajon all at once, which is no easy task! By night, Jim also worked part time as a studio assistant when he wasn't gigging with various bands or hosting open mics and karaoke nights around NYC.

It's not just the music that will mesmerize you — it's also the vibrant energy and stage presence of these masterful musicians! Experience the thrill of live music like never before!

Groove Oasis will take the stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Friday, Aug. 29 at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177 or to order online, visit www.SedonaFilmFestival.org. You may also purchase tickets at the Sedona Film Festival office and Mary D. Fisher Theatre, located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona.