Union College News

Grammy-Nominated Musician to Perform at Union on Friday

Mamadou Diabate, a Grammy-nominated musician, will perform at Union College on Friday, February 23 at 7:00 pm. The concert will take place at Union’s Rector Little Theatre. Admission is free.

Diabate is a renowned African instrumentalist whose second album, Behmanka, was nominated for a Grammy in the World Music category in 2005. Diabate’s music features the kora, a traditional instrument with 21 strings, a very long neck, and a large gourd that serves as a resonator.

Though the kora has been played for more than a thousand years, Diabate’s music reflects more recent influences. Collaborations with other artists, including Taj Mahal, jazz musician Randy Weston, and blues performer Guy Davis, influence Diabate’s music and infuse his kora-playing with hints of American Blues and innovative elements from other traditions.

Friday night’s performance will feature Diabate on the kora, Balla Kouyate on balafon, Noah Jarrett on bass, and Baye Kouyate, talking drum and calabash player.

For more information, call Union College at 606-546-1230. A sample of Diabate’s music and more information about the artist can also be found at www.mamadoukora.com.

Febuary 23, 2007

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