Events Calendar

Music of the West African Kora

Thursday, September 4

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: Shorewood Village Center

Between enjoying tunes from the West African kora -- a 21-22 string harp -- attendees will learn about the history of the kora, how it is built, who typically plays it, and the types of events it is often utilized at. Sean will also share some of his experiences studying in West Africa and being hosted by the family of his teachers.

Sean Gaskell studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800 year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire. Gaskell has presented adult, youth and family programs at over 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada.