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Artist Mention
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About.com, Artist Mention >>
I had myself a fabulous festival Friday and caught two international acts who I'd never seen live before: Cheikh Lo and Khaira Arby. Cheikh Lo is an old favorite of mine who plays jangly soukous and reggae-infused Senegalese mbalax, and live, he did not disappoint. He's a beautifully strong singer, and his band is vibrant and exciting. I posted a photo gallery from Cheikh Lo's set, if you're up for living vicariously. I was also thrilled to catch Khaira Arby live for the first time. I've been hearing great things from trusted colleagues and friends since her first globalFEST appearance a few years ago, and I was so happy to finally catch her live. She's a real grande dame, in the great tradition of Cesaria Evora and Miriam Makeba, with an elegant command of the stage, her band, and her audience. I enjoyed her set tremendously, as did, it seemed, the members of Bombino's band, who danced and clapped from the audience, incognito in jeans and button-down shirts. One of my favorite things about festivals is watching bands interact with each other, and it's great to know that they appreciate each other's music as much as we do. I have a photo gallery of that set coming soon! (Update: Khaira Arby Photo Gallery) Other highlights of the day were a stellar traditional Cajun set from the Pine Leaf Boys, and an exciting performance from Beats Antique, who combine Middle and Near Eastern melodies with electronic beats, all of which provide a soundtrack for what was easily the most creative bellydance-based performance art I've ever seen. Today, I'm looking forward to catching Acadian band Vishten, traditional Irish group Teada, Ethiopiques Debo Band, Reunion Islanders Lindigo, Chicago-based fusionists Lamajamal, New York based brass outfit Slavic Soul Party, and Afropop's reigning king, Seun Kuti. Wish me luck and fast feet! 04/28/12 >> go there
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