Kahil El’Zabar formed the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble in 1973 to combine concepts of African American music making with traditional African music and make something new. After 35 years, this legendary band is still serving people worldwide with their special brand of 21st century Griot music. El’Zabar’s last performance at the Sanctuary was named one of […]
As part of the African Film Festival, we present a live performance by Grammy-nominated kora master Mamadou Diabate from the West African country of Mali with his ensemble as part of the 2008 African Film Festival. The Mamadou Diabate Ensemble includes Mamadou Diabate on kora, Balla Kouyate on balafon, Baye Kouyate on talking drum and […]
One of the most existing talents in African music today, Chiwoniso performs entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient soul and modern spirit. Backed by the mesmerizing interlocking melodies of the mbira and the deep grooves of an all-star lineup featuring some of Zimbabwe and South Africa’s top musicians, Chiwoniso’s voice resounds with defiant strength and […]
Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita | SUBA Trio featuring percussionist Gustavo Ovalles are coming to the Sanctuary for the CD release of SUBA Trio, presented in cooperation with The Egg Performing Arts Center. Through the music we bring a message of peace, hope and unity. When everything around us falling apart, the one thing we […]
Drawing from two distinct styles of regional sound, ancient village choral chants and desert guitar, Les Filles de Illighadad are sisters from the village of Illighadad, performing Tende, traditional music from Niger. “MESMERIZING SOUNDS FROM THE SAHARA” - The New York Times “HEADY, TRANCE-INDUCING SONGS THAT BURROW INTO YOUR BRAIN AND SPREAD THROUGH YOUR BODY” […]
Join us for a concert from Al Bilali Soudan from Timbuktu, Mali. Their performance is an improvisational tour de force of traditional instruments (incl. tehardant and calabash), rhythms, and scales. These traditional instruments are foundational to the development of the style that has evolved into the modern desert blues sound. ***In line with our commitment […]
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