Since his childhood, Vieux Farka Toure has been deeply inspired by the music of his father, Ali Farka Touré. Growing up in Mali's capital, Bamako, as well as in his father's hometown of Niafunk in the Sahara desert -- both teeming with rich musical life -- Vieux proved himself a precocious talent as a drummer and calabash player. Ali, however, grew concerned about his son's future as he observed his son's budding musical gifts. Having long suffered in the music industry himself before finally finding a home with World Circuit Records, Ali did not want his son to have to have to face the same hardships. He forbid Vieux to play music and decided that Vieux should become a soldier instead. Vieux, as stubborn as his father's moniker Farka (donkey) suggested, began instead to play along with his father's recordings in hiding, determined to pursue his musical aspirations.
He enrolled in the National Arts Institute in Bamako, openly defying his father's wishes. It was there that Vieux truly discovered his musical calling, picking up the guitar and beginning to compose his own music. By the time he left the Arts Institute, he was already a locally celebrated guitar virtuoso, able to almost perfectly emulate his father's playing. Word began to spread throughout Bamako that Ali's successor was emerging.
with special guests
Maps & Atlases
Ignaz Schick and
Keenan Lawler
This show is 21+. with proper ID. Tickets are $15.50 in advance and $20 day of show. Doors at 7pm.
Vieux Farka Toure's Official Website
Vieux Farka Toure on MySpace Music
Vieux Farka Toure on Reverb Nation
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