FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center
Contact: Scott Kenison 925-583-2301
skenison@lvpac.org
or Roberta Emerson 925-373-6100 x1136
rwemerson@lvpac.org

LIVERMORE, CA – (October 9, 2017) – Described as “an all-out afro-fusion dance party,” the award-winning Canadian collective of master musicians, African Guitar Summit, will take the stage at the Bankhead Theater on November 2, 2017.  Three Juno Award-winning guitarists, backed by bass and percussion, deliver an infectious style of music full of the rich flavors of their native Africa. All tickets for the single performance are $40 each with tickets for students and active military personnel just $17.

The smooth fire of guitarist Alpha YaYa Diallo from Guinea joins two artists from Madagascar, the quicksilver guitars and harmonies of Donne Roberts and Madagascar Slim. The rhythmic talents of drummer Kofi Ackah from Ghana are enhanced by the electric bass and the ballafon (an African marimba) played by Naby Camara, who is also from Guinea. Blending their distinct cultural backgrounds and languages, they achieve a remarkable summit of sound, a musical magic inspired by each other and their shared stories.

Africa is not typically considered a guitar capital, but sailors from Portugal and other neighboring countries introduced the instrument when they stopped in African ports centuries ago. Even as the lively rhythms and melodic style of African guitar music became popular, the continent’s broad geography and differences in language and culture meant talented musicians did not always have the opportunity to get to know each other.

The members of African Guitar Summit came together after they each reached Canada separately. Their debut recording, “African Guitar Summit,” was named the Juno World Music Album of the Year in 2005 and their second album repeated the honor two years later. Since then, they have appeared both together and as soloists, sharing their unique sound and energetic style with enthusiastic audiences across North America. While the touring group’s membership changes slightly from tour to tour, given the demands of their individual careers, the core group stays together, delivering an engaging sound that inspired National Public Radio to say they make “a powerful case for the guitar as the signature instrument of modern Africa.”

Since it opened a decade ago, the Bankhead Theater has welcomed guitarists from acoustic legends such as Arlo Guthrie and Leo Kottke, to rockers such as Edgar Winter and blues great Robert Cray. On February 23, 2018, the Bankhead will again welcome International Guitar Night, an evening of acoustic guitar music hosted by Gypsy jazz legend Lulo Reinhardt. He will be joined by Canadian contemporary sensation Calum Graham; Marek Pasieczny, Poland’s innovative classical composer/performer, and award-winning American guitarist Michael Chapdelaine. All four will present their latest works then perform together, sharing musical ideas and exploring the diversity of the acoustic guitar world. Tickets for African Guitar Summit, International Guitar Night, and all other performances in the current Bankhead Theater season are available now through the ticket office at 2400 First Street in Livermore, by calling (925) 373-6800, or online at www.lvpac.org.

 

The Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center offers wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. The Bankhead Theater, which houses the Livermore Visitor’s Center and Gallery, together with the Bothwell Arts Center, are home to nine resident performing arts companies and over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors.

Event:           African Guitar Summit

Date/Time:   Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Venue:           Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore

Price:             $40 all seats. $17 students and active military personnel

Tickets:         visit lvpac.org or call 925-383-6800