Strathmore Outdoor Concert Features Sounds of Mali (VIDEO)

Cheick Hamala Diabate will perform traditional Malian melodies and rhythms Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Strathmore in North Bethesda.

According to his website, Diabate is a West African historian in the Girot tradition, and a world-recognized master of the n’goni, a traditional Malian instrument. Diabate began touring in the U.S. in 1995 after many years touring throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and Canada.

A steward of the 800 year-old tradition of the Griot, the storytellers of West Africa, Diamate shares the oral history, music and song of his culture as it was passed on to him from birth by parent to child. At an early age, he easily mastered the n’goni, a stringed lute and ancestor to the banjo. He later learned to play the guitar from his uncle, legendary Super Rail Band guitarist Djelimady Tounkara.

Cheick Hamala Diabate performs in this Tiny Desk Concert by NPR video:

Tonight’s concert is part of Strathmore ‘s outdoor summer concerts. The free concerts take place on Wednesday evenings from now through August 19 at the Gudelsky Concert Pavilion Gazebo at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low beach chairs.

Parking at Strathmore
Parking for the Free Summer Outdoor Concerts and Workshops is in the Metro garage for $5 with Metro SmarTrip card or major credit card. Enter the parking garage off Tuckerman Lane. Parking for patrons with disabilities (with tag) and Strathmore Stars Parking (with Strathmore Summer Parking Pass) is in the Mansion lot on a space available basis. Enter at 10701 Rockville Pike until 7 p.m.

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