MARQUETTE, Mich.—Acclaimed African talking drum master Baye Kouyaté will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Northern Michigan University. His concert will be held in the Great Lakes Rooms of the University Center.

            Originally from Bamako, Mali, Kouyaté has been in New York for four years. His performances are a journey through a world of highly complex polyrhythms fusing traditional sounds of Mali with influences such as jazz, reggae, and latin grooves, all delivered by a spirited crew of musicians.

 Kouyaté is a direct descendant of a lineage of Balla Fasséké, who is considered the founder of the Kouyaté line of griots that exists to this day. A griot, or jeli, is a West African poet, praise singer and wandering musician, considered a repository of oral tradition. The role of the griot in Mande society was as a historian, adviser, arbitrator, praise singer and storyteller. 

            Audience tickets are $5 for students, $13 for faculty/staff and seniors over 60, and $18 for the general public. Tickets at the door are an additional $2. Tickets are available at all NMU ticket outlets, by calling 227-1032 or online at www.nmu.edu/tickets.

            This event is sponsored by the NMU International Performing Arts Series.