Discover the Magic of the West African Kora at the Rochester Hills Public Library

The Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL) presents musician Sean Gaskell’s West African kora performance, May 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The West African kora is a 21 string harp native to the Mandinka people of Africa. It dates back 300 years and Gaskell studied with master kora players Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh from the Gambia over the course of multiple visits.

Discover the Magic of the West African Kora at the Rochester Hills Public Library

“I’m excited to share the history and culture of the kora to the Rochester Hills Public Library,” said Gaskell. “Apart from just the music, the kora has an interesting history and cultural significance to the people of West Africa.”

Gaskell will perform 6-7 songs while also teaching the audience about the unique instrument.

“The Library is very proud to offer culturally important events such as Gaskell’s performance. We believe there is great importance in learning about the cultures of our global community,” says Rochester Hills Public Library Community Relations Specialists Amanda Harrison Keighley.

The program is May 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room and is open to everyone with an RHPL library card. Please register in advance at rhpl.org.