FELA!, the joyous dance, theater, music spectacle comes to ASU Gammage April 23-24. Directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, who received the Tony Award for Choreography, FELA! explores the extravagant world of Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. The musical delves into the complex life of multi-instrumentalist musician/composer, pioneer of Afrobeat music and human rights activist Fela Kuti. His music often reflected his strong opposition to dictatorships and specifically targeted the militaristic governments of Nigeria.

This show is definitely not your grandmother’s musical. Fela’s penchant for extravagant showmanship is evident in music and choreography unlike anything else on Broadway. FELA!, with its inspiring and exhilarating song and dance, is definitely entertaining. However, the show features some raw language, mild sexual content, drugs and violence which may be inappropriate for young viewers. It’s perfect for mature tweens and teens, particularly those with an interest in music or dance. It's also noteworthy that Bill T. Jones himself was actually here in Tempe and the Valley completing a three year guest residency at ASU!

On April 25, David Sedaris will return to ASU Gammage to read from some of his latest works and to answer questions from the audience followed by a signing of his newest book Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls (scheduled for release late this spring). His collections of essays are reflections on the human condition and are often drawn from his own life experiences. They are wonderful reads that are irreverently funny and sure to make you lough out loud,

For more information on both events and to purchase tickets, view ASUgammage.com. For the rest of the Tempe arts, culture and entertainment story check out this list of other great events taking place this week. View a complete list of Tempe events, or call the Tempe Tourism Office at 1-866-914-1052 for more information.