Event

Cheick Hamala Diabate Unplugged

A djeli (griot) from one of Mali's most storied musical families, Cheick HamalaDiabate is keeper of a vibrant musical tradition that blends history and performance. Equal parts musician and storyteller, Diabate's art is rooted as much in strings, percussion and sound as it is in praising, chiding, entertaining and reliving Mali's past. You can think of the djeli as a modern-day troubadour and in the realm of West African world music, Diabate is considered both bard and king.

"People need me here, just like they need me in Mali," Diabate exclaims with a laugh. "You try to remind them, help them remember to be careful with life, to be respectful and not forget themselves. When I sing songs, that's part of it."

On this special evening, Diabate, the king of ngoni a plucked West African lute and banjo precursor, will dazzle as he performs on ngoni, banjo, and guitar to tell the story of his musical past, accompanied by percussion, balafon and guitar.

Complimentary beer and wine will be served