Yacouba Sissoko Teaming Up With East End-Based Musicians For Hamptons Performance

On Saturday, November 12th at 7:30 p.m., Southampton Arts Center’s Live from Southampton Arts Center will continue with The Music of Mali with Yacouba Sissoko and LUMA. The series, which debuted earlier this year, is in partnership with The Jam Session Inc.

“This is not just another concert series,” explained Southampton Arts Center Director of Programs, Amy Kirwin. “Our idea is to make each evening about more than the sounds of different genres and cultures, but also the flavors and customs that inspire the music.”

Yacouba Sissoko has proven incredibly flexible in his performance style and genre of music. He has wowed concertgoers in single performances as well as performances with his band SIYA. “Yacouba is in demand as one of the best Kora players in the world, performing with jazz, Latin and R&B bands, as well as traditional African songs,” noted Claes Brondal of The Jam Session Inc. Sissoko has also shared the stage with Regina Carter, Baaba Maal, Rachel Brown, Kavita Shah, Kakande, and Roberto Fonseca.

“LUMA, which stands for Life, Unity, Music, Amplified, has equally impressed the world with its abilities. The band has played in a number of high profile events on the East End, such as The Hampton Classic, James Beard Chef and Champagne, Pacific East Restaurant, and numerous private parties,” noted Brondal. “It has also been spotted in New York City where they won a Starbuck sponsored best original band contest in the village, and one of its top hits has been recognized by XM radio for an add campaign.”

Yacouba Sissoko and LUMA now unite in this exciting performance to bring to life the traditional music of Mali, Africa with funk and groove influences. After successfully performing together for the first time in 2014, the music merger continued to evolve their eclectic style.

“The concert will be a unique experience and an opportunity for the local community to hear authentic Malian music, storytelling, and funky grooves,” added Brondal.

While staying true to the jazz and traditional-African-music heart of the performance, the artists’ purpose is to expand those confines and represent a whole other plethora of musical genres coincidentally. Yacouba Sissoko (Kora and vocals), Dan Lauter (sax), Jeff Marshall (bass), Claes Brondal (drums) and Natu Camara (vocals) join together to represent an international anomaly of a band, each bringing his own individual flair and influence to the performance.

The Southampton Social Club and Union Cantina will host a pre-concert reception with refreshments at 7 p.m.

“It will be an experience for the ears, eyes, and mouth,” noted Kirwin.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. While they can be purchased at the door, it is highly recommended that they be purchased in advance.

Additionally, The Music of Mali with Yacouba Sissoko and LUMA will be taped for The Jam Session Radio Hour, which will air on local NPR affiliate WPPB 88.3 FM.

Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. For more information, call 631-283-0967 or visit southamptonartscenter.org.