Morikeba Kouyate Griot & Master Kora Musician
Morikeba's story is a legend that began more than 700 years ago with his Ancestors. The Griot, or Jali, is the "Carrier of the Oral Tradition" and composed of Griot families among the Mandinka people. First of these families was the Kouyate family. Those histories and oral traditions were, and still are, passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. There are very few families left, but they can be recognized by their last names: Kouyate, Suso, Djebate, Konte, Kanuteh, and Sako. To truly be a Griot, you have to be born into a Griot family.
Morikeba Kouyate is known throughout West Africa for his electrifying performances and virtuosity with the traditional the Kora. The Kora is a 21- string instrument from the West African countries of The Gambia, Senegal, and Mali . It is an ancient instrument that is part of Africa's rich spiritual music tradition.
Morikeba Kouyate was born and raised into a family of Griots, or Jalis, in Bounkiling Senegal. He began his training at the age of eight and was performing professionally by the age of fourteen. He became successful and well-known for his expert storytelling and Kora playing. As a result of his success, Morikeba was given the opportunity to have his own radio program in Dakar, Senegal. His show was aired throughout Senegal and several other African countries. He also made numerous appearances on Senegalese television. Morikeba Kouyate has played before African royalty and the Presidents of several countries, including Senegal and The Gambia.
Morikeba Kouyate is a recipient of a 2002 Illinois Arts Council grant for the Master-Apprentice Program; a 2003-2005 Illinois Arts Council Artstour artist; and a recipient of a 2003 City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) grant. Additionally, Morikeba has given workshops around the country and has  taught/performed at Harvard, DePaul,Northwestern,Xavier, and many other universities .
Mr. Kouyate performs year-round throughout the United States and currently resides in New Orleans.

More on Kouyate: http://morikebakoragriot.tripod.com/

Tim Green
A New Orleans resident, master of the tenor saxophone, Green has been active in the city's jazz scene for many years. He has played with such renowned musicians as Peter Gabriel, Bruce Hornsby, the Indigo Girls, Medeski Martin and Wood, Phish and George Porter. Green also served as the President of the Louisiana Jazz Federation, which helps to promote jazz awareness throughout the state

James Singleton
James Singleton is an acoustic bassist, composer, and producer with an intimate and extensive affiliation with the New Orleans music scene. He is a member of the long-lived New Orleans-based jazz group Astral Project with Johnny Vidacovich, Tony Dagradi and Steve Masakowski. He has been described as one the best and most sought after bassists in New Orleans.[1] He has performed with John Scofield, Stanton Moore, and John Medeski as well as John Abercrombie, Art Baron, Ellis Marsalis, Earl Turbinton, Eddie Harris, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Lionel Hampton, Arnett Cobb and Banu Gibson among others. He has recorded with Chet Baker, Alvin "Red" Tyler, James Booker, Johnny "Tan Canary" Adams, Charlie Rich and Zachary Richard among others.

Mariama Curry
Professional African Dancer,Coreographer & Vocalist
Mariama Curry is the artistic director of Kulu Childrens Traditional African Dance Company and NKafu Traditional African Dance Company founded in 1992.She has performed and choreographed for television, videos, documentaries, stage plays and film.She has toured throughout the United States. Mariama is the recipient of an NAACP outstanding achievement award.Her classes focus on developing students minds for dance to help build strong character and achieve physical balance.

Jeff Klein
African Musician/Composer
Mr. Klein's 12 years of African drumming experience  has taken him to multiple performances, African retreats and camps. He has performed with Morikeba Kouyate’s group Kora Konnection at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Festival International (Lafayette, La), as well as Sunpie Barnes, Lee Oskar, Ensemble Fatien, and Ivoire Spectacle....
Additionally, Mr. Klein has shared his love for African percussion with the youth of New Orleans while teaching music and mentoring students from George Washington Carver H.S. in New Orleans. He is a man who lives his work, always finding new ways to carry on the West African traditions and to bring others into this musical world.