FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paula Simon
Marketing Associate
412.363.3000 x 310
paula@kelly-strayhorn.org
Chart-Topping Duo Performs at Kelly Strayhorn Theater
KST Presents Vieux Farka Touré & Julia Easterlin — “Touristes”
Wednesday, September 30
8p Performance :: 7p Pre-Show Mixer
Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Ave
PITTSBURGH, PA (September 21, 2015) — Kelly Strayhorn Theater presents Touristes, a concert with Malian master musician Vieux Farka Touré and indie vocalist Julia Easterlin on Wednesday, September 30 at 8 p.m. Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Tickets are Pay What Makes You Happy and can be purchased at kelly-strayhorn.org/events/ or by calling 412-363-3000.
The duo's new album Touristes debuted at #1 on the iTunes' world music chart upon its release last week. In a white-hot burst of inspiration, Touré and Easterlin crafted six original songs, three startling covers—including Bob Dylan, Fever Ray, and Appalachian folk—and one new song built upon a classic West African tune. Touristes is equal parts modern and ancient, haunting and playful, subtle and visceral, and their intimate concert maps the sounds of two people—speaking different languages and from two continents—finding common ground.
Born in Niafunké, Mali, Vieux Farka Touré is often referred to as "The Hendrix of the Sahara.” Touré is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré. Due to the pressures he experienced during his own career, Ali initially disapproved of his son following his legacy, but eventually gave his blessing at the urging of family friend and kora maestro Toumani Diabaté. Vieux has released six albums and performed at the opening concert for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in June 2010. Known for his highly energizing concerts and technical skill on the guitar, Vieux continues to take on new challenges as one of the world’s most talented and innovative musicians.
Georgia-born Julia Easterlin is an American singer/songwriter. Using a looping machine, which allows her to layer recordings of her own voice, Easterlin is known as a “one-woman a-capella group.” A mix of musical styles, including elements of jazz, gospel and Southern folk, her sound is a combination of the music that influenced her most through her education and upbringing. Performing at Lollapalooza and SXSW, Easterlin continues to grow in popularity.
Part of KST’s World Stage Series, made possible with support from The Benter Foundation and individual contributors to the World Stage Fund.
RESOURCES
Tickets & Info
Vieux Farka Touré website
Julia Easterlin website
Touristes website
Images
ABOUT KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER
Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) uses the arts as a catalyst for community revitalization, and plays a key role in the transformation of East Liberty and nearby neighborhoods. In its 13th year as an organization, and seventh season of original programming, KST continues to demonstrate its commitment to Pittsburgh artists and audiences, supporting the presentation of risk-taking new work by emerging artists and arts organizations. KST operates two professionally-equipped venues along the Penn Avenue arts corridor. The historic Kelly Strayhorn Theater (formerly the Regent Theatre, 1914) is a 350-seat multi-arts venue, and the last survivor of East Liberty’s nine original theaters. Noted Pittsburghers and KST namesakes Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn are among the 80 area artists honored in the theater’s Gallery of Stars. Just blocks away, KST’s Alloy Studios play host to intimate performance events and provide creative space for artist residencies, Alloy School dance classes, and performance rehearsals, as well as community art and music programs.
Major funding for KST Presents is provided by The Heinz Endowments, Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Benter Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, and Allegheny Regional Asset District.
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