Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — The Oxnard Public Library is pleased to host Sean Gaskell on Monday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Main Library (251 S. A St., Oxnard) in celebration of African American Heritage Month. Gaskell will perform music and provide an educational demonstration on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa.
The program will feature traditional music that is the heart and soul of the kora repertoire and will also include some of Gaskell’s own personal compositions. The music tells ancient stories of war and hardship while also praising people of high political status who helped expand the West African Mande Empire. These peaceful, melodic songs are sure to capture the hearts and minds of attendees of all ages.
The kora is native to the Mande people who live within the countries of The Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau. The music is traditionally played by oral and musical historians known as Griots.
Gaskell will provide interesting insights and stories on the kora and his journey to master the instrument. He has studied extensively under the instruction of Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh of Brikama, The Gambia, and Kane Mathis of Brooklyn, NY. Gaskell has also been featured at numerous festivals in the U.S., The Gambia, and Senegal.
This event is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Alberto Alvarenga at (805) 385-7532 or via email at alberto.alvarenga@oxnard.org.