PORTLAND — A fundraiser concert is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3 at SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., to celebrate Somali culture and support the Somali-Mainers Youth Network.

The concert is a celebration of the Somali culture through music, dance, fashion and poetry, traditional and original, performed by Maine residents. The event will also be educational, shining a light on Somalia’s rich culture and heritage.

“There seems to be a lot known about Somalia, but it is often negative,” said group founder and concert co-organizer Maryan Mohamed. “We would like to advocate for the Somalian population, both in Maine and in Somalia.”

Mohamed’s organization will focus on Somali youth in Maine, helping them with volunteer work, college prep, outdoor activities, motivation and more. The organization will help Somali immigrants negotiate the twin challenges of integrating and thriving in the Maine community while preserving and celebrating their history, heritage and cultural memory.

“Maine has been welcoming Somali immigrants for years,” said concert co-organizer Will Mason. “But showing support doesn’t just mean tending to material needs. It’s about taking the time to learn about and celebrate Somalian history and culture. That’s one of the things we’re hoping to do with this concert.”

Performances and exhibits will include spoken word: Buraanbur (a traditional Somali poetic form); Dhaanto (a traditional genre of music and folk dance); storytelling; a fashion show; Somali art; Henna; and more. Other performers will include members of arts collective Kesho Wazo and local jazz musicians in collaboration with Somali spoken word artists.

There will also be food available, cooked by elders in the Somali community. The event is co-sponsored by the Somali Community Center of Maine.

Tickets are priced on a sliding scale of $5 to $15. Doors open at 7 p.m., concert starts at 8 p.m.

For more information, contact Peter McLaughlin at [email protected]