Concert at the Library! \; Sean Gaskel l features songs on the kora- a 21 stringed West African harp. He studied under the instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh at their home in Brikama\, Gambia\, over three extensive visits between 2008- 2018. In 2023\, he made his first visit to Senegal to study with Youssouph a Cissokho and his son Mamadou Cissokho in the town of Saly. \; The ko ra is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800 year history dating back to the found ing of the Mande empire. Gaskell has presented adult\, youth and family pr ograms at over 350 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools\, colleges\, universities and assisted living facilities in the United States and Canad a.
\n&ldquo\;Need more proof that music is the greatest internationa l language? Listen to how eloquently Sean Gaskell\, a young fella from the grunge and coffee mecca plays the 21-string West African Kora\, a gourd-b ottomed harp that delivers both acres of melody and gently rippling rhythm s.&rdquo\; \; \;Tom Surowicz &ndash\; Minneapolis Star Tribune
\n&ldquo\;An amazing evening with an incredible talent! Thank you\, Sea n Gaskell\, for sharing the contemplative sounds\, history\, legends and s tories of the Kora! What a beautiful instrument\, handled by yourself\, wi th such respect and regard of its culture. We thank you for the experience !&rdquo\; \; \;Sherie Borges- Poor Richards Book Shoppe\, Charlott e\, NC
\n&ldquo\;Sean Gaskell&rsquo\;s performance at our library wa s highly enjoyable and of high quality. His skill and style helped communi cate to families the history and cultural significance of the kora. The mu sic is soothing and engaging for all ages. We highly recommend him and we look forward to having him back.&rdquo\; -Marissa Bazan\, librarian\, Lewi s and Clark Library\, Helena\, MT
\nFunding has been made possible i n part by funds from Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on t he Arts/Department of State\, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment f or the Arts.
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