The Great Gambian Griots will appear at the Philadelphia Folk Festival's digital festival, Fri., Aug. 15, 8:30 pm EST, via https://folkfest.org . Experience dazzling kora duets as they video-stream the flying finger-work, dancing harmonies and intertwined polyrhythms of Jali Bakary Konteh and Pa Bobo Jobarteh.
In 1973 the festival introduced North American audiences to the kora and to their grandfather, Alhaji Bai Konte. Coming full circle, you can see his globe-trotting grandsons, who will tickle your ears and tease your eyes with lightning glissandos and syncopated foot-tapping tunes.
Their Mandinka melodies are the African inspiration for America's blues, gospel and jazz. Ticket proceeds go to the performers. For the full 2020 lineup, visit https://folkfest.org. The Philadelphia Folk Festival also invited the Great Gambian Griots for live concerts and workshops next year, 2021. Great Gambian Griots: http://koramusic.net
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