July 14, 2010 Il!* |Jort Innb (Observer Page Wa.. ■ ■ M M W M IM M W M M M M IM ENTEMMMffiVT Bluesy Twist on Malian music The banjo’s ancestor, the ngoni, takes center stage Wednesday, July 2 when Bassekou Kouyate performs as part of the Oregon Zoo’s summer concert series presented by NW Natural. Known as the “ambassador o f the ngoni, ” Kouyate combines the griot tradition of musical storytelling with blues notes from Malian Bambara music to win fans the world over - - including stars like Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and Bono. Kouyate has worked with count less musicians, including Grammy-winning blues legend Taj Mahal with whom he explored American blues and country music. The ngoni may not traditionally be the star instrument in a performance, but Kouyate and his band, Ngoni Ba, are able to showcase the immense range o f it, ” said Krista Swan, zoo events coordinator. “Concertgoers are bound to be im pressed and delighted. ” att.com % ?1 <il It’s all about connections. At AT&T we know access to the Internet is no longer a luxury. It's how we learn, find jobs, and connect with family and friends. It drives innovation, creates investment, and builds a stronger community. We believe in endless possibilities for all. That's why we are investing in America, bringing broadband access closer to you. Rethink Possible © 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property, Ail rights reserved.