African guitarist/singer Habib Koite joins with American bluesman Guy Davis in a musical odyssey, "From Mali to Memphis," at Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 5. The 8 pm performance takes place in Hillwood Recital Hall.

"From Mali to Memphis," from the Putumayo CD of the same name, explores the connections between the blues and Malian music. Habib Koite stems from a noble line of Khassonke griots (storytellers). He developed his unique guitar style while accompanying his griot mother and his passion for music from his paternal grandfather who played a traditional Malian instrument, the djelly n'goni. Koite studied at Mali's National Institute of Arts where he quickly became conductor of the school's prestigious band, INA Star. In 1988 he formed Bamada with young Malian musicians.

Bluesman Guy Davis is a musician, composer, actor, director and writer. He is dedicated to reviving the traditions of acoustic blues and popularizing them through the material of the great blues masters, African American stories and his own original songs, stories and performance pieces.

Tickets for "From Mali to Memphis," are $40. Tickets are available on the Internet, at Tilles Center's box office or through TillesCharge. For information or TillesCharge orders, call (516) 299-3100.