Sean Gaskell
Sean Gaskell will give a performance on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa. He will feature songs that he learned over the course of multiple visits to Gambia.
“Need more proof that music is the greatest international 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-bottomed harp that delivers both acres of melody and gently rippling rhythms.”
Tom Surowicz – Minneapolis Star Tribune
“An amazing evening with an incredible talent! Thank you, Sean Gaskell, for sharing the contemplative sounds, history, legends and stories of the Kora! What a beautiful instrument, handled by yourself, with such respect and regard of its culture. We thank you for the experience!”
Sherie Borges- Poor Richards Book Shoppe, Charlotte, NC
“Sean’s playing and singing are right-on when it comes to traditional Mandinka style. Very nice indeed!”
Roderic Knight- Retired professor of Ethnomusicology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH.
About Sean Gaskell
Sean Gaskell first heard the kora performed live in his hometown of Olympia, Washington, USA in 2006. That performance by Kane Mathis, who would become his first teacher, inspired him to immerse himself in 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 story of war, hardship, love and loss all while presenting the history and fabric of Mande society, of 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. He is currently based in Asheville, North Carolina, USA.
Ticket Information:
Tickets $25
non-refundable
Event is BYOB
Schedule:
7pm – 7:30pm Cocktail reception (bring your own beverage)
7:30pm – Concert with Sean Gaskell