Mali Superstar Boubacar Traore to Continue WMI Series at the Met Museum

World Music Institute continues its Desert Blues series with a rare appearance by Mali's elusive superstar, Boubacar Traoré. Boubacar is one of the most pivotal figures in the African desert blues tradition.

He will perform on Friday, December 2, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Grace Rogers Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Avenue. Tickets: $50-$65 | Bring the Kids: $1. Tickets to this event include Museum admission. Visit www.worldmusicinstitute.org. Presented in collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

From WMI Artistic Director Par Neiburger: "World Music Institute's Desert Blues series aims to bring some of the most respected artists in this centuries-old tradition to New York. Boubacar Traoré is undoubtedly one of the most significant living figures in Africa's desert blues tradition. In keeping with an integral aspect of our organization's mission-to bring International Artists to New York that audiences rarely have the opportunity to see-this is an uncommon opportunity to see Boubacar live. We are excited that this concert will take place in the unique setting of The Metropolitan Museum of Art."

Legendary Malian songwriter, master singer, and guitarist Boubacar (aka "Kar Kar") Traoré rose to fame in the '60s with his desert blues performances, fusing Malian and Arabic music. Renown, however, didn't lead to riches, and following a 1968 coup, Boubacar dropped out of sight. Personal tragedy led him to move to France, where eventually, he was rediscovered. While Boubacar Traoré has been active for decades and was a contemporary of the late Ali Farka Touré, it was not until 1990 that he released his first album, Mariama. Today, Boubacar is considered one of the most seminal figures in the African desert blues tradition. This is a rare opportunity to see and experience this elusive genius live.

Founded in 1985 as a not-for-profit, World Music Institute (WMI) has served as the leading presenter of world music and dance within the United States.

WMI is committed to presenting the finest in traditional and contemporary music and dance from around the world with the goal of inspiring wonder for world cultures through music and dance. WMI aims to enrich the lives of people living in New York by promoting awareness of other cultures and their traditions. WMI collaborates with community organizations and academic institutions in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the world's cultural traditions and presents at venues throughout the city.

Under new leadership since 2015, its 30th anniversary season, World Music Institute has introduced an ambitious expansion of concert offerings that include contemporary, experimental and avant-garde presentations, as well as the traditional music that WMI has long been known and admired for. In addition, the institution is thrilled to have launched new partnerships with BAM, 92nd Street Y, SummerStage, Merkin Concert Hall, National Sawdust, Storm King Art Center, Le Poisson Rouge, Littlefield and Drom-while continuing partnerships with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Town Hall, Symphony Space, French Institute Alliance Française, and Apollo Theater (the annual Africa Now festival).

WMI has presented more than 1,500 concerts and events featuring artists from more than 100 countries across all continents. Through powerful programming, WMI is creating a movement that promotes awareness and engagement of other cultures, helping to encourage deeper understanding of communities around the globe.

For more WMI events and the complete fall/winter season schedule, visit www.worldmusicinstitute.org.