Sean Gaskell returns to the Library with a special afternoon performance featuring the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa. This beautiful and educational presentation will include traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire. Gaskell first heard the kora performed live in his hometown of Olympia, Washington, in 2006. That performance by Kane Mathis, who would become his first teacher, inspired him to immerse himself in the music of the kora and travel to its homeland in West Africa. The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots, often called Jalis or Jelis. Many songs tell stories of war, hardship, love, and loss all while presenting the history and fabric of Mande society, from which the instrument originates. Visits to Brikama, Gambia, West Africa provided Gaskell the opportunity to study the kora under the instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and his father, the late Malamini Jobarteh. Gaskell has presented adult, youth, and family programs at over 350 libraries and a multitude of K–12 schools, colleges, universities, and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0RqsY1Rcqo

... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkrWfw98kv8

Join us for our next Virtual Film Club on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 2 p.m.! Before the program, watch 'Age of Champions' on Kanopy with your library account here: https://ranchomirage.kanopy.com/product/age-champions Need a library card? Learn how go get one here: https://www.ranchomiragelibrary.org/how-do-i.html Join us via Zoom for the discussion here: https://zoom.us/j/93961999771 ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz-7hdDiPCQ

... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3or1MKoGA_E