See you out on the lawn

I’m looking forward to the Zal Idrissa Sissokho and Buntalo concert this weekend. This outdoor concert is definitely one of the highlights of the library’s summer programs for me. It gives us the chance to hear lead singer Zal Idrissa Sissokho who plays the kora (an African harp) and sings in French and Wolof. He plays melodies that are inspired and borrowed from West African musical traditions. He performs solo as well as with Buntalo.

Buntalo is an Afro-Mandinka group, their name makes reference to the sound of the kora, an instrument which seduces the listener on the first note. They play original compositions and classic Mandinka songs, bringing together contemporary music yet preserving the identity of compositions that are hundreds of years old. Buntalo brings together some of the greatest West-African musicians in Montreal: Zal Idrissa Sissokho (kora), Aboulaye Koné (guitar), David Mobio (keyboard), Manu Pelé (bass et compositions) and Thomas Niamke Ehui (drums).

The concert is at 5pm and is free. I hope to see you out on the lawn of the lovely Ashkelon Gardens behind the library. Don’t forget to bring all the summer concert essentials: something to sit on, sun protection and water.

If it rains, not to worry- the show will still go on as a limited number of free rain passes will be available as of 1 pm that day to see the performance indoors.