PUTNEY-Next Stage Arts presents a special duo collaboration between cellist Mike Block and master kora player Yacouba Sissoko on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 pm at Next Stage.
Block is a multi-style cello player, composer, singer, and educator, who says he has a passion for cross-cultural collaborations.
In addition to his solo performances and touring bands, since 2005 Block has been a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma, with which he has been featured as a cello and vocal soloist, contributed arrangements and compositions, and earned a 2017 Grammy Award for Best World Music Album.
Sissoko devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and "realize their imagined futures," he says. In his performances, he hopes to transform the traditional songs and stories of his forebears into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony.
Born to a well-known Djeli family in Kita, Mali, Sissoko started learning the kora and the oral traditions associated with it from his grandfather at the age of 9. For centuries, Djelis have been the musical storytellers, a position that is inherited through a family bloodline.
Highly respected within their communities, Djelis are the keepers of the factual history and the fictional fables of past rulers, nobles, social groups, and families. The kora, a 21-stringed instrument with a gourd resonator, is the traditional instrument accompanying their songs.
Next Stage is at 15 Kimball Hill in downtown Putney. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the Door, and $10 for access to the livestream. For information, call 802-387-0102. Advance tickets are available at nextstagearts.org. Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.