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.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
your life. . .
is short. live it like you mean it.
or, for you techies and business school peeps:
"Your time is a zero-sum game, and only you can decide how to slice it up."
that's from david pogue, tech writer at the nytimes.
i think this is especially profound for me at this point in time due to the awful news of vinay's passing.
http://helpvinay.org/
i never actually met him, but did meet his wife and family and friends, and this man clearly inspired many people, and brought light into the lives of those around him during his time here. surely as much as any of us can hope for with our impact on this world.
or, for you techies and business school peeps:
"Your time is a zero-sum game, and only you can decide how to slice it up."
that's from david pogue, tech writer at the nytimes.
i think this is especially profound for me at this point in time due to the awful news of vinay's passing.
http://helpvinay.org/
i never actually met him, but did meet his wife and family and friends, and this man clearly inspired many people, and brought light into the lives of those around him during his time here. surely as much as any of us can hope for with our impact on this world.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Boston Modern Global Music Calendar View 2
I'm keeping a calendar of shows I think are "cool" or interesting on Google Calendar - details below if you want to view or subscribe.
subscribe:
XML: http://www.google.com/calendar/feeds/538m1pu2to3gekfet2mbkqb280%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic
ICAL: http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/538m1pu2to3gekfet2mbkqb280%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics
HTML: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=538m1pu2to3gekfet2mbkqb280%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
subscribe:
XML: http://www.google.com/calendar/feeds/538m1pu2to3gekfet2mbkqb280%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic
ICAL: http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/538m1pu2to3gekfet2mbkqb280%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics
HTML: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=538m1pu2to3gekfet2mbkqb280%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Still a young man
I got this email (below) today, which is good/bad news. The good news = I'm still a young man, and not part of the old boys club which decides who gets to participate and who does not. The bad news = I'm still on the outside looking in, and they (the insiders) still don't "get it". [explanation further down]
I just hope that we are not subjected to another "panel of everyone" open blab sessions run by my friend DV over at RPS. He really is my friend, but I am slightly bored and annoyed by this format. Especially since he's done it now for a few WOMEX's and APAP's in a row. And of course a little jealous cause I want to be running a real panel talking about really how to do new and innovative stuff with digital technology, and bringing in people who can explain and discuss their methods.
Now, about the "getting it" part - my proposal was about the use of digitial distribution and promotion methods to not only distribute, promote, and market artists, but also how groups are using music and digital tools to create social change in the local community where the artist is based. I thought it would be amazing to have a panel with the folks I had in mind. I still do. But I'll just have to do it my own way. . .
EMAIL:
Thank you for your conference proposal for WOMEX 2008 in Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain.
This year again, we received many excellent proposals which were considered very carefully for our limited number of conference sessions. In fact, so many were so good that we were left with quite a dilemma. and as every year, with the given feedback of the Jury, the task consists in trying to balance new topics and new speakers with some others whom are known to be effective and informative communicators . This meant not being able to accept some very worthy proposals this time, yours, unfortunately, among them.
That said, please note that a WOMEX conference session is not the only way to present your activities at this year’s WOMEX.
With more than 2.800 professional visitors and 1.400 companies from more than 90 countries (2007 edition) around there will be many other ways to network across borders, whether these borders be musical, political, cultural or commercial and establish essential contacts for the future.
If you plan to attend, be sure to register at the most favourable smart rate. The deadline is Friday, the 27th of June. All registration details can be found at: http://www.womex.com/realwomex/register
Thank you for your interest and understanding. We hope to see you end of October in Sevilla, appointed as UNESCOS`s first city of Music.
Best regards
Your WOMEX conference team
I just hope that we are not subjected to another "panel of everyone" open blab sessions run by my friend DV over at RPS. He really is my friend, but I am slightly bored and annoyed by this format. Especially since he's done it now for a few WOMEX's and APAP's in a row. And of course a little jealous cause I want to be running a real panel talking about really how to do new and innovative stuff with digital technology, and bringing in people who can explain and discuss their methods.
Now, about the "getting it" part - my proposal was about the use of digitial distribution and promotion methods to not only distribute, promote, and market artists, but also how groups are using music and digital tools to create social change in the local community where the artist is based. I thought it would be amazing to have a panel with the folks I had in mind. I still do. But I'll just have to do it my own way. . .
EMAIL:
Thank you for your conference proposal for WOMEX 2008 in Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain.
This year again, we received many excellent proposals which were considered very carefully for our limited number of conference sessions. In fact, so many were so good that we were left with quite a dilemma. and as every year, with the given feedback of the Jury, the task consists in trying to balance new topics and new speakers with some others whom are known to be effective and informative communicators . This meant not being able to accept some very worthy proposals this time, yours, unfortunately, among them.
That said, please note that a WOMEX conference session is not the only way to present your activities at this year’s WOMEX.
With more than 2.800 professional visitors and 1.400 companies from more than 90 countries (2007 edition) around there will be many other ways to network across borders, whether these borders be musical, political, cultural or commercial and establish essential contacts for the future.
If you plan to attend, be sure to register at the most favourable smart rate. The deadline is Friday, the 27th of June. All registration details can be found at: http://www.womex.com/realwomex/register
Thank you for your interest and understanding. We hope to see you end of October in Sevilla, appointed as UNESCOS`s first city of Music.
Best regards
Your WOMEX conference team
Monday, June 02, 2008
Ramata Diakite - New Album coming!
I have just got a rough mix of a new album from Ramata Diakite! Very exciting. for those of you who don't know, i am managing Ramata, who is an amazingly talented singer from Mali, West Africa. the owner of her US label and i have been talking to her for a while about some new songs to complete an album, and she went ahead and got into a friend of mine's studio in mali (Studio Mali, run by Paul Chandler), and recorded 13 tracks. another friend brought back the ruff mix when he was visiting mali.
so, out of this friendly collaboration come 13 sweet, acoustic, stripped down tracks. i can't wait until we get the masters, and i can start to share some of these tracks. there is a great single in there, and a nice mix of driving acoustic grooves and some trancey vibes as well.
i am getting the lyrics translated so that everyone can understand what she is singing about. to start with, the album is called "Burutumu", which is the name of her great-grandfather's village in Wassoulou. so we start with some deeply personal roots music, and bring it to the world. again, i'm very excited, and can't wait to start sharing. . .
so, out of this friendly collaboration come 13 sweet, acoustic, stripped down tracks. i can't wait until we get the masters, and i can start to share some of these tracks. there is a great single in there, and a nice mix of driving acoustic grooves and some trancey vibes as well.
i am getting the lyrics translated so that everyone can understand what she is singing about. to start with, the album is called "Burutumu", which is the name of her great-grandfather's village in Wassoulou. so we start with some deeply personal roots music, and bring it to the world. again, i'm very excited, and can't wait to start sharing. . .
African Field Recordings (Hugh Tracey)
A friend is working on this project. I've been familiar with Tracey's work for a while, having helped get it on CalabashMusic and such, but to see some video footage as well in this trailer from the Tracey archive is really, Really amazing.
Rogier Kappers' next film is about one of them, Hugh Tracey, an amateur folklorist who spent 40 years recording music in sub-Saharan Africa. - this from a guardian article about the director
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Obama Inspriation
From Obama's speech at Wesleyan. My favorite parts up top, the full article below:
"There's no community service requirement in the outside world, no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off the stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things our money culture says you should buy," Obama said. "You can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's. But I hope you don't."
"hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself."
"Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get to where you are today, though you do have that debt. It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation."
"At a time of war, we need you to work for peace. At a time of inequality we need you to work for opportunity. At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again."
FULL TEXT
Obama asks graduates for sacrifice, service
Steps in for Kennedy at Wesleyan commencement
By Peter Schworm
Globe Staff / May 26, 2008
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - In an insistent call to public service and a personal tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator Barack Obama challenged graduates of Wesleyan University yesterday to "work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all of humanity."
Stepping in for the ailing Kennedy, who was scheduled to deliver the university's commencement address before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last week, Obama told an audience of several thousand to "be unified in service to a greater good," a cause he described as synonymous with the Kennedy family.
Kennedy, who in January endorsed Obama in a symbolic passing of the political dynasty's progressive mantle, was represented by his wife, Vicki, and his stepdaughter, Caroline Raclin, a member of this year's graduating class.
Obama, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, said it was an honor to "pinch-hit" for Kennedy, whom he called "one of my personal heroes and a hero to his country."
"Surely if one man can achieve so much and make such a difference in the lives of so many people, then each of us can do our part," Obama said of Massachusetts' senior senator. "Surely if his service and his story can forever shape America's story, then our collective service can shape the destiny of this generation. At the very least, his living example calls us to try."
Under cloudless blue skies before a supportive crowd that punctuated his words with warm applause, Obama recalled his own decision as a college graduate to work for a small group of churches as a neighborhood organizer in Chicago for "$12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car," and how the experience gave him purpose and direction. Students, Obama said, owe it to themselves and those less fortunate to serve the common good.
Wesleyan announced Obama would be replacing Kennedy late last week and scrambled to prepare for his appearance. Security was tight and Secret Service agents surveyed the crowd from rooftops. Graduates of the college, known for its progressive politics, said they were thrilled by Obama's presence and inspired by his message.
"It was the best day of my life when I found out he was coming to speak," said Genevieve Angelson, 22, whose red graduation robe displayed the phrase "WES We Can" in black letters. "But this is even better."
"I was shaking, I was so moved by what he said," she added.
Graduates said they were particularly struck by the directness of Obama's call for expanded national and community service over the pursuit of financial gain.
"There's no community service requirement in the outside world, no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off the stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things our money culture says you should buy," Obama said. "You can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's. But I hope you don't."
Obama pledged to increase the size of the Foreign Service, double the size of the Peace Corps, and demand greater sacrifice from the country if elected president.
Noting that 64 Wesleyan graduates have joined the Peace Corps since 2001, Obama urged students to "hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself."
"Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get to where you are today, though you do have that debt," he said. "It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation."
Obama said individual and national sacrifice is urgently needed to tackle difficult problems such as poverty, climate change, and an energy crisis.
"At a time of war, we need you to work for peace. At a time of inequality we need you to work for opportunity. At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again," he said to a standing ovation.
In opening remarks, Wesleyan president Michael S. Roth recognized Kennedy as a great supporter of higher education and healthcare, drawing sustained cheers from the crowd.
"His dedication to civil rights, to labor, to healthcare and to a pragmatic and principled politics has made him one of the most productive legislators in modern American history."
In his speech, Obama relayed a lighthearted message from Kennedy, prompting laughter and applause.
"To all those praying for my return to good health, I offer my heartfelt thanks," the message read. "And to any who'd rather have a different result, I say, don't get your hopes up just yet!"
Wesleyan students said they agreed the nation needs more youthful idealism and shared sacrifice, and that Obama's words had a galvanizing effect. Many, like Daniel Meyer of Arlington, said he was already considering public service, but said Obama's speech struck a chord.
"It definitely got me thinking more about it," he said, "but I didn't expect anything short of inspirational today."
Peter Schworm can be reached at schworm@globe.com
"There's no community service requirement in the outside world, no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off the stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things our money culture says you should buy," Obama said. "You can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's. But I hope you don't."
"hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself."
"Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get to where you are today, though you do have that debt. It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation."
"At a time of war, we need you to work for peace. At a time of inequality we need you to work for opportunity. At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again."
FULL TEXT
Obama asks graduates for sacrifice, service
Steps in for Kennedy at Wesleyan commencement
By Peter Schworm
Globe Staff / May 26, 2008
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - In an insistent call to public service and a personal tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator Barack Obama challenged graduates of Wesleyan University yesterday to "work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all of humanity."
Stepping in for the ailing Kennedy, who was scheduled to deliver the university's commencement address before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last week, Obama told an audience of several thousand to "be unified in service to a greater good," a cause he described as synonymous with the Kennedy family.
Kennedy, who in January endorsed Obama in a symbolic passing of the political dynasty's progressive mantle, was represented by his wife, Vicki, and his stepdaughter, Caroline Raclin, a member of this year's graduating class.
Obama, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, said it was an honor to "pinch-hit" for Kennedy, whom he called "one of my personal heroes and a hero to his country."
"Surely if one man can achieve so much and make such a difference in the lives of so many people, then each of us can do our part," Obama said of Massachusetts' senior senator. "Surely if his service and his story can forever shape America's story, then our collective service can shape the destiny of this generation. At the very least, his living example calls us to try."
Under cloudless blue skies before a supportive crowd that punctuated his words with warm applause, Obama recalled his own decision as a college graduate to work for a small group of churches as a neighborhood organizer in Chicago for "$12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car," and how the experience gave him purpose and direction. Students, Obama said, owe it to themselves and those less fortunate to serve the common good.
Wesleyan announced Obama would be replacing Kennedy late last week and scrambled to prepare for his appearance. Security was tight and Secret Service agents surveyed the crowd from rooftops. Graduates of the college, known for its progressive politics, said they were thrilled by Obama's presence and inspired by his message.
"It was the best day of my life when I found out he was coming to speak," said Genevieve Angelson, 22, whose red graduation robe displayed the phrase "WES We Can" in black letters. "But this is even better."
"I was shaking, I was so moved by what he said," she added.
Graduates said they were particularly struck by the directness of Obama's call for expanded national and community service over the pursuit of financial gain.
"There's no community service requirement in the outside world, no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off the stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things our money culture says you should buy," Obama said. "You can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's. But I hope you don't."
Obama pledged to increase the size of the Foreign Service, double the size of the Peace Corps, and demand greater sacrifice from the country if elected president.
Noting that 64 Wesleyan graduates have joined the Peace Corps since 2001, Obama urged students to "hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself."
"Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get to where you are today, though you do have that debt," he said. "It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation."
Obama said individual and national sacrifice is urgently needed to tackle difficult problems such as poverty, climate change, and an energy crisis.
"At a time of war, we need you to work for peace. At a time of inequality we need you to work for opportunity. At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again," he said to a standing ovation.
In opening remarks, Wesleyan president Michael S. Roth recognized Kennedy as a great supporter of higher education and healthcare, drawing sustained cheers from the crowd.
"His dedication to civil rights, to labor, to healthcare and to a pragmatic and principled politics has made him one of the most productive legislators in modern American history."
In his speech, Obama relayed a lighthearted message from Kennedy, prompting laughter and applause.
"To all those praying for my return to good health, I offer my heartfelt thanks," the message read. "And to any who'd rather have a different result, I say, don't get your hopes up just yet!"
Wesleyan students said they agreed the nation needs more youthful idealism and shared sacrifice, and that Obama's words had a galvanizing effect. Many, like Daniel Meyer of Arlington, said he was already considering public service, but said Obama's speech struck a chord.
"It definitely got me thinking more about it," he said, "but I didn't expect anything short of inspirational today."
Peter Schworm can be reached at schworm@globe.com
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