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West African Music and Dance

A celebration of the music and dance of West Africa!
www.alphayayadiallo.com

At the Rio Theatre, 1660 West Broadway

Tickets $25 advance at Highlife Records (1317 Commercial Drive), or BUY ONLINE at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/286228

Alpha Yaya Diallo’s music, the intoxicating and beautifully-rendered sounds of his West African homeland, has won him passionate fans and multiple accolades across Canada and around the world. This fall, in a ground-breaking performance project, this three-time Juno Award-winner takes the experience of his music to a new and even more exciting level with the creation of the West African Summit. West African Summit is ninety minutes of pure entertainment, a dynamic musical journey into the irresistible rhythms and exuberant dance of Guinea, Senegal and Mali. The landmark nine-city national tour begins in Toronto on November 16, with performances in Montreal;Sioux Lookout, Ontario;Prince Albert & Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Sherwood Park & Camrose, Alberta, and; Golden & Vancouver, BC

On tour are guitarist / vocalist Diallo and the all-star musicians of his band, each renowned artists in their own right. The troupe includes two masters of traditional African music: Naby Camara (balafon) is known as the “Milt Jackson of the balafon”, an incredible musician with an uncanny ability to become at-one with the dancers with whom he performs, and a perfect counterpoint to Alpha’s guitar brilliance, and Prince Diabaté, one of the most accomplished kora players performing outside Africa today. The band also features Thomas Ehru Niamke (drums) and Vegari Cendar (bass). They are joined byN’nato Camara and Mariama Camara, two of African music’s finest traditional dancers, known for their unique ability to bring the power and grace of West African dance to life on stages anywhere in the world,

Together, this extraordinary artistic team and troupe promise a musical experience that goes beyond a concert, beyond a show to deliver a true glimpse into the heart, the beauty, power and sheer energy of West African music.

Presented as a Collaboration between Caravan World Rhythms and Bafing Productions.