Lee-Whedon welcoming musician who plays 21-stringed West African harp

Provided photo: Sean Gaskell will perform with the West African Kora on Oct. 9 at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library in Medina.

Press Release, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

MEDINA – West Coast musician, Sean Gaskell, will be performing at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library October 9th at 7 p.m.

The concert will feature songs played on the kora—a 21-stringed West African harp. Alongside Gaskell’s musical performance, audience members will learn about the history of the kora, how it is built, who typically plays it, and the types of events it is often utilized at.

In addition, Sean will also share some of his own personal experiences while studying in West Africa and being hosted by the family of his teachers.

Gaskell studied under the extensive instruction of Moriba Kuyateh and the late Malamini Jobarteh in Gambia, and both Youssoupha Cissokho and Mamadou Cissokho in Senegal.

The kora is traditionally played by oral historians known as Griots. Many songs featured on the kora preserve an 800 year history dating back to the founding of the Mande empire. Gaskell has presented adult, youth, and family programs at over 400 libraries and a multitude of k-12 schools, colleges, universities and assisted living facilities throughout the United States and Canada. This visit from Gaskell is a rare opportunity to listen to a unique and truly beautiful instrument.

Further information on the artist can be found at his website: www.seangaskell.com.

To register for this free event, call 585-798-3430 or visit the library front desk. All ages are welcome.