Kickoff Concert Fuses Sounds of Africa, Transformative Cello, and Rap Lyrics

On Saturday, Nov. 7, Amadou Kouyate, Dana Leong and SKIM highlight Intersections' kickoff concert in the Conversations as Melodies artistic series. These three artists bring a diversity of talent and unique artistry that will collectively merge in the improv performance.

Amadou Kouyate is a jeli. In various parts of West Africa, griots or jelis are considered the "masters of words and music." Known as storytellers, these oral historians sing of local legends, histories, genealogies or heroic deeds of the Manding — West African people that now live in Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast and Senegal. Jelis preserve ancient stories and traditions through song. They also serve as advisers, entertainers, messengers and praise singers within their clan. Kouyate has studied and performed Manding music since he was 3 years old. As the 150th generation of the Kouyate lineage, he works to preserve the history of the Manding peoples and civilizations, passing down his knowledge to future generations. An accomplished djembe and koutiro drummer, he also plays the 21-string kora, which he first learned from his father, Djimo Kouyate, and other master griots of West Africa.

Kouyate will be joined by Dana Leong — a talented artist who has transformed the cello sound by fusing electronic hip-hop, jazz, funk rhythms and improvisation. Described as "sublime" by the Chicago Tribune, this multi-talented artist meshes musical influences from urban, rock, jazz and classical music to create his unprecedented and innovative style. Leong heads the Milk & Jade quartet and has produced four albums, including a live CD after receiving several awards and accolades on tour. He has performed on screen in Steven Spielberg's The Terminal, Robin William's August Rush, and NBC's Law & Order, among others. Leong also has performed for fashion designer and icon Dianne von Furstenberg.

The final performer, Sara Kim ("SKIM"), is a fearless singer-songwriter who captivates audiences with her raw honesty, fiery rap lyrics and sultry singing. SKIM draws from her Korean ancestry when performing, and has performed previously for Intersections — at the installation of Intersections Founding Director Robert Chase in February 2008.

Kouyate's sounds of Africa, the musical fusion of Leong, and poet SKIM's improv of songs and words will create an exciting intersection that you won't want to miss.

All Conversations as Melodies performances take place at Intersections, 274 Fifth Avenue (between 29th and 30th), from 5 to 7 p.m. There is a $10 suggested donation.

For more information about this event, and Conversations as Melodies, visit us online at http://www.intersectionsinternational.org/2009/10/02/Conversations-As-Melodies-Kickoff-Concert.