Long before Madonna tried and failed twice to hire Cesaria Evora to sing at private parties, Evora was a local legend in her home Cape Verde islands (off the West African coast) for her mastery of "morna," the local music known for its poignant evocation of "love, longing, beauty and loss."

It wasn't until the late 1980s, though, when Evora was in her mid-40s, that Cape Verdian exile in Europe helped Evora come to the world's attention. Now, the "Barefoot Diva” --who earned this nickname for obvious reasons -- is renowned in world-music circles. And she's coming to Albany this Wednesday, so all who revere world and/or roots music should definitely take note.

Cesaria Evora will perform Wednesday (June 27) at 7:30 PM at the Egg (Empire State Plaza, Albany). Tickets are $28. Call the box office at 473-1845 for reserva tions and information.