Listing of Francophonie events

It all started with a sound inside Rokia Traore’s head. The adventurous Malian singer-songwriter and guitarist knew that she wanted to create a musical style that was “more modern, but still African, something more blues and rock than my folk guitar.” Then she heard an old Gretsch, the classic electric guitar so beloved by American rockabilly bands of the ’50s and ’60s, and played by everyone from Chet Atkins to George Harrison. That was the sound she had been looking for and it brought a fresh dimension to her songs.

In concert, her blend of traditional African rhythms and instruments—the balafon (wooden percussion) and ngoni (African lute)—with the sounds of her electric guitar has earned her recognition as one of Africa’s most innovative musicians.

Tickets are $25, $20, and $35. Available at the Lisner box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster phone charge 202-397-SEAT, and on line at TicketMaster.com. A 10% discount is available for Resident Members (when ordering, use code SMITH) and for Alliance members (when ordering, use code AFR).