Boston Modern Global Music update

I've spent the past two Wednesday nights at the MFA and have loved it! Great shows, great atmosphere, great dancing. I mean, where else can you dance outside in a gorgeous courtyard surrounded by huge trees and an huge art museum in the middle of the city! Plus the shows are done early for all you early to bedders.

There are a couple great shows coming up there that you should join me at. Next wednesday (July 30) Daby Toure will be bringing his sick guitar chops along with his band "Extra Golden", and then August 20th, there are 2 shows (early/late) which should knock your socks off. An african tribute to james brown featuring cheick lo, vieux farka toure (ali's son), and a couple members of james brown's original band (pee wee ellis is one of them).

Also coming up this weekend is Lowell Folk Festival, featuring my friend Balla Kouyate who is playing both days:
SAT July 26 - 3PM - Lee Street Stage
Duo with Pablo Dembele on Djembe and Banjo

SUN July 27 - 1 PM - JFK PLaza & 4PM - Boarding House Park
Balla and his band, World Vision

For more info:
http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/schedule.html

Balla Kouyaté, from Mali, is a virtuoso player of an ancient instrument called the balafon, the West African ancestor of the marimba, the xylophone, the vibes, and a host of related instruments. Kouyate's family roots go back over 800 years to Balla Faséké Kouyaté, the keeper of the Sosso Bala, the first balafon, and the first of an unbroken line of djelis, or griots, in the Kouyaté clan. Kouyate, now based in Massachusetts, continues this classic tradition, with his brilliant, dazzling instrumental solos and original compositions. He will be accompanied by Sekou "Pablo" Dembele on Djembe and Banjo, Raja Kassis on Guitar, Thierno Camara on Bass and Mackane Kouyate on Calabash.

Next week also is a different sort of music - Rusty Belle - an americana/folk/really cool band is playing Lizard Lounge on thursday night (july 31). these guys played a wedding alli & i were at last weekend. we'll be there dancing away for sure.

As always, you can stay up to date by going here to see the upcoming calendar, and subscribe if you want to my list of shows:
http://soungalo.blogspot.com/2008/06/boston-modern-global-music-calendar_11.html

peace.