Music of the West African Kora with Sean Gaskell

Join us on Saturday, October 4 at 2pm for a performance and educational demonstration on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa. Musician Sean Gaskell will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire. 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. Spend an afternoon with us and learn about this fascinating traditional instrument!

This program is open to all ages, but adult supervision is recommended for younger attendees. Registration is suggested and those who register with an email address will receive a reminder in advance of the event. Register below or call the library at 440-988-4230.

Sean Gaskell studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal. 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.