Ever felt like you needed an evening filled with joy and beauty? Yep, we thought so. And if this evening was filled with Grammy-winning musicians and the performance was absolutely free, you’d be ready go, right? This Friday is your lucky day. Rhythm on the River brings the world-renowned Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the Scioto Mile for a free concert.

For decades Ladysmith Black Mambazo has created musical and spiritual experiences for a worldwide audience. The A Capella group celebrates uplifting and intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions.

Paul Simon produced Ladysmith Black Mambazo's first worldwide release, "Shaka Zulu," which won a Grammy Award in 1988 for Best Folk Recording. Since that time, the group has recorded music with the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Sarah McLachlan, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris and many more.

With a deep respect for both its cultural and personal history, Ladysmith Black Mambazo is an ever-evolving group with a significant legacy. Noted as “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the world” by Nelson Mandela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has achieved sixteen nominations and four Grammy awards since it was founded in 1960. Over time, members have welcomed a younger generation in their mission to pass along the tradition of storytelling and spreading their message of peace, love, and harmony to millions of people.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo comes to Bicentennial Park on Friday, July 15 at Rhythm on the River, which is produced by Columbus Recreation and Parks. Music will begin at 8 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. If you need an uplift before Friday, check out the Ladysmith Black Mambazo website where they have several music tracks available to listen to on the spot.

Rhythm on the River features an eclectic series of touring artists, local musicians, arts organizations, and Movies on the Mile on select dates. All performances and programs are free and open to the public. For more information on free programs, please visit www.SciotoMile.com.