The WORLD comes to Norwood!!! We're pretty stoked about this...world renowned KORA duet featuring MADOU SIDIKI DIABATÉ and SALIF BAMAKORA coming to The Extended Play Sessions Fallout Shelter on Saturday July 13! Madou is a 71st generation KORA master...think about that! Seventy One generations of mastery on this ancient West African instrument!! The kora is built from gourd, cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator with a long hardwood neck. The skin is supported by two handles that run underneath it. It has 21 strings, each of which plays a different note. These strings are supported by a notched, double free-standing bridge. The kora doesn't fit into any one category of musical instrument, but rather several, and must be classified as a "double-bridge-harp-lute." This is some of the most beautiful and mesmerizing music I've ever heard...a mix of flamenco jazz and delta blues played by the two most celebrated masters in the world. This is going to be pure magic at the Fallout Shelter!

Madou Sidiki Diabaté is the youngest son of the late Sidiki Diabaté. "The King of the Kora." Since 1997, Madou has filled his brother Toumani’s former position as lead kora for some of the best singers and musicians in West Africa, including Kandia Kouyaté, Ami Koita, Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, Sekouba “Bambino” Diabaté, and many others. He has performed at over 1000 concerts and more than 40 festivals throughout Africa, North America, Europe, and Australia. Madou has collaborated with artists such as Damon Albarn, Will Calhoun, and Brian Eno and continues to redefine the role of Kora in the traditional and modern world.

Salif Bamakora, aka Gordon Hellegers, has been playing Kora, for over 20 years and has been a primary student of Madou Sidiki Diabaté for over 15 years. Salif is deeply versed in the traditional repertoire, histories, and cultural practices of Mande Djeliya and has become a skilled and experienced performer in concerts around the world. As a foundational member of the world music group SIMRIT and a periodic collaborator with Estas Tonne, Bamakora continues to explore the growing edges of contemporary kora music, from original composition to spontaneous improvisation concerts.

The Fallout Shelter is an all ages performance venue welcoming worldwide, world class music in an intimate setting. Our studio audience attends to watch the creation and production of the music television series The Extended Play Sessions. The Fallout Shelter events are immersive experiences for both audience and performers alike...a live music experience like no other. We are fully ADA compliant and have wheelchair access. We have a wide selection of beer and wine for your adult beverage pleasures and each show comes with a free commemorative event poster. Our doors open at 6PM. Seating is General Admission. We recommend you arrive at the time the doors open.