Windhoek — The American Cultural Centre is this weekend featuring the cool, jazzy sounds of Helen Sung and NuGenerations, a jazz ensemble from the US, which is visiting Namibia.

Their performances and musical workshops are free, courtesy of the US Embassy Windhoek and The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad programme.

Helen Sung and NuGenerations fuse jazz tradition with musical exploration. Its jazz roots firmly established, this ensemble takes creative risks, sparking new works and innovative performances.

A project of bandleader Helen Sung, each member of this New York City-based band represents a different generation of life and musical experience.

With diverse backgrounds including classical music, R&B, funk and world-music, and from varied origins across the United States-from the Bay Area to Michigan to Texas to Chicago - Helen Sung & NuGenerations collectively create distinctive music and inspire audiences to participate in and learn more about this great American art form, jazz.

There are two shows scheduled which are free to the public. The first will be on Saturday, May 9, at the Warehouse Theatre, and the second on Sunday, May 10 at the National Theatre of Namibia (NTN).

Local artists such as the Erna Chimu Band, Vocal Motion 6 (VM6) and the College for the Arts Choir will be opening the shows and performing, as well. The Warehouse concert has sold out but there still may be tickets for the NTN; people who are interested should stop by the box office.

The ensemble will also host two workshops during their stay in Namibia. The first will be a vocal workshop with the College of the Arts Choir and the second for base guitar and drum at the Warehouse Theatre.

"Namibians and Americans share a love of music. Through this musical and cultural exchange, we can reach beyond our borders and boundaries and better understand each other. Jazz is a part of America's culture and history that is loved all over the world. We look forward to sharing this unique American art form with Namibia, and in that way we can recognize our similarities and celebrate our differences," said Ray Castillo, Director of the American Cultural Centre.