Toubab Krewe will appear with Malian guest artist Kokanko Sata Doumbia at Tryon Fine Arts Center on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
The instrumental quintet has its roots in the thriving arts scene in Asheville. Kokanko, a West African musical artist touring Southeastern colleges and universities among other venues, is here under the auspices of the nonprofit Cradle of Jazz (www.cradleofjazz.org) spreading the understanding of the pivotal role of West African music in the formation of American jazz and blues.
The musicians will work towards closing the gap between western North Carolina and West Africa.  “‘Toubab’ is a Bambara word meaning ‘non-African’ or ‘foreigner,’” the group explained in a 2009 interview.  “Being ‘toubab’ is a chance for growth, an opportunity to find common ground amongst differences. We are all foreigners someplace, but we have all found a sense of place somewhere we may have least expected it. That’s life.”
Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert sponsored by CooperRiis are available online or at the door.   Call  828-859-8322 or visit www.tryonarts.org.
– article submitted
by Marianne Carruth