Player of the n’goni—a West African three-stringed lute believed to be the direct ancestor of the banjo—Issa Bagayogo of Mali infuses the acoustic traditions of his region with elements of rock, funk, dub, and electronica.

Skirball Cultural Center announces the thirteenth season of its popular Sunset Concerts series, showcasing celebrated musicians from around the globe. Presenting five outdoor concerts free of charge on Thursday nights from July 16 through August 13, the Sunset Concerts series remains integral to the Skirball’s ongoing mission to explore world arts and culture in the context of Jewish heritage, immigration, and the American experience.

The Sunset Concerts take place outdoors, in the Skirball’s Mark Taper Foundation Courtyard, nestled against the Santa Monica Mountains. During Sunset Concerts, the Skirball’s museum galleries, except Noah’s Ark at the Skirball, are free and open until 10:00 p.m. The Skirball’s Zeidler’s Café offers a fixed-price, pre-concert buffet dinner; reservations for the buffet are required: (310) 440-4575. Concertgoers may also purchase grab-and-go light fare from Zeidler’s Cart.