Arkansas International Benefit Featuring Ozakwaaba

You're invited to a special benefit for the University of Arkansas literary journal, The Arkansas International, featuring music by afropop and reggae band Ozakwaaba. The event takes place at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Stage 18 in Fayetteville.

Based out of Eureka Springs, Ozakwaaba is dedicated to bringing African pop and reggae music to Northwest Arkansas. The band is fronted by Yao Angelo, a master drummer and dancer from Côte d'Ivoire, who performs an infectious blend of highly danceable music. The rest of the band are accomplished players who have undertaken these styles to provide support for Angelo's dynamic, heartfelt and entertaining performances.

The Arkansas International is a biannual literary journal and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization run by the M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing and Translation at the University of Arkansas. The journal is dedicated to publishing a diverse array of poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction and translation by national and international writers, both established and on the rise.

"As a nonprofit organization, this is an important biannual event that helps to finance both future publications and day-to-day operations, so come on out to dance your support for our journal," said managing editor Anthony Blake. The event costs $10 at the door.

The fourth issue of The Arkansas International is set for release this spring. An official launch party will take place at 2 p.m. April 15 at the Fayetteville Public Library.