West African Music and Song Concert by Lamine Soumano April 22, 2007

Cost: FREE.

Jeli Lamine Soumano and his International Ensemble as part of their US Tour to promote the CD "Sacred Groove" will present a FREE concert featuring original West African style music and song on Sunday, April 22.

LAMINE SOUMANO has emerged as one of the brightest musicians and composers in West African music. Hailing from the small village of Kirina, Mali, he is a jeli, or griot, a member of the West African Mande lineage that has preserved the history of the Malian people through music for more than 8 centuries. Soumano's sound is steeped in this musical tradition, recognized around the world for it's familiar, yet ever-evolving melodies, driving dance rhythms and overall artistic integrity.

A virtuoso of the guitar and kora, Soumano has been a lead guitarist and kora soloist for some of West Africa's biggest stars: Ami Koita, Adama Drame and Fantani Toure. He has toured extensively throughout Africa and Europe, and recently completed his first tour of the United States, playing the Vegoose, Magnolia, and CMJ festivals with Toubab Krewe, a group he has mentored. Now embarking on a solo career, he has hand-picked a trio of musicians from Mali, the United States and Hungary to complete his ensemble.

Official Website: http://www.puravidaart.com