African excitement

I've seen a ton of great concerts in the nine years since I moved back to Boston. Dylan. The Stones. U2. Sir Paul.  Pearl Jam.
And, uh, James Levine. But with the possible exception of the psychedelic experience of watching Bruce Springsteen from the infield at Fenway, none has been as powerful as Baaba Maal with his electric band at the Paradise. Relentless grooves pitting rock guitar and drums against traditional instruments, costumed dervish dancers, the weaving of ancient and Afro-Pop melodies, African ex-pats dancing up onto the stage to throw dollar bills at the band and then dancing off again, the wild keening of Baaba Maal's voice, and the guy in the BU sweatshirt (I think it was, I'd had a few beers by then) who got up and played sax during "African Woman" - it was crazy! He's hit town a few times since then, but with a more sober, traditional approach. Now he and the big band, called Daande Lenol, are back for a June 30 World Music gig at the Somerville. Tix, $25-$35, go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. at 617-876-4275 or the web site.