Let’s face it—most of us don’t know anything about African culture except what we learned in history class, and we probably forgot those dry old textbooks ages ago. But what if there was a better way to learn? A fun way? With N’Dias The Mix, there is.

For the second-to-last concert in the Elmwood Village Summer Concert Series, this high-energy 12 member group will bring their culture to us through song, dance and more, thanks to the Elmwood Village Association. Their show begins at 7 p.m. tonight in Bidwell Parkway at Elmwood Avenue. Money shouldn’t be an issue—the show is absolutely free.

Despite the wide variety of styles they perform, N’Dias manages to keep firm roots in African tradition. They’re constantly moving towards the goal stated on their website: “to build awareness for the beauty and excitement of West African dance and drumming.”

The group even has a fourth generation Griot—a hereditary caste member whose job is to make entertaining songs, dances, poems and stories to pass down oral tradition, according to dictionary.com. Frontman Alassane Sarr’s continuation of this family tradition, along with his education at the School of Art in his native Dakar, Senegal and past experience with the Silimbo Dance Company of Dakar have immersed him in Senegalese culture and art, allowing him to put together fun shows that can help you pick up some Senegalese history and tradition.

While you’re heading out, bring the kids along. The first 150 there can do a fun postcard collage activity with Young Audiences WNY teaching artist Gerald Mead starting at 6:30 p.m.

So you can go crack open that history book, or you can hear a little music, have a few drinks and bring family and friends along. It’s your choice.

For more information, visit N’Dias website or the Elmwood Village Association’s website.