The brightest lights at the 2017 World Music Festival
This free fest is a constellation of international stars—including Afrobeat scion Seun Kuti, rambunctious Cape Verdean accordionist Bitori, and Afro-Venezuelan flame keeper Betsayda Machado.
September 6, 2017
Nicole Mitchell & Ballaké Sissoko: Bamako*Chicago Sound System
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Part of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival. 3 and 5:45 PM, Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, all-ages
Malian kora virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko roots his playing in traditional Mande modes—his 2013 solo album At Peace (Six Degrees) is a beautiful case in point—but he’s also distinguished himself by bridging cultural divides through thoughtful collaboration. He’s worked with American bluesman Taj Mahal, Chinese pipa master Liu Fang, French cellist Vincent Segal, Italian contemporary classical pianist Ludovico Einaudi, and Moroccan oud player Driss El Maloumi. That roll call is evidence of his curiosity and versatility—he can draw upon improvisational creativity to make new situations work. This new project promises to be as exciting and rewarding as any he’s undertaken, because he’s joining forces with one of the most dynamic composers, improvisers, and bandleaders in the world: former Chicagoan Nicole Mitchell.