Toumani Diabate's Symmetric Orchestra March 31, 2007

Toumani Diabaté is at the vanguard of a new generation of griots from Mali who are both modernizing and honoring their traditional music. Responsible for introducing the western world to the kora, a 21-stringed harp unique to West Africa; Toumani is not only a performer of truly exceptional virtuosity and creativity; but he also plays a vital role as band leader, teacher, musical conservationist and composer at home in Bamako, the capital of Mali where he was born and has lived all his life.

His latest release is Boulevard de l'Independence, recorded with his Symmetric Orchestra - experts in everything from age-old Malian standards to contemporary Cuban-Senegalese salsa.

"Full of virtuoso technique... the blend lives up to the band's title and everything fits with perfect symmetry. Five Stars." -Song Lines

Tickets $35, $30, $25, $20; available Lisner Box Office, TicketMaster Outlets, PhoneCharge (301) 808-6900, and http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172067/

Official Website: http://www.lisner.org