Kevin Nathaniel on Mbira, with Tomas Rodriguez

A visionary musician who, with voice and ancient African instruments, channels sound as a universal healing force. Together, breathing rhythms to the beat of our synchronized hearts, Kevin Nathaniel resonates songs of unity and the “big picture” of love in beautiful ways! A long-time devotee of mbira, kalimba, circle song, drum, dance, meditation, and yoga; a world-traveled music healer sharing the musical medicine of the ancient, the now, and the beyond, Kevin Nathaniel brings a fresh, deep experience of the beauty of sound. Kevin Nathaniel’s music is an invitation for all to come together, to share in song, laughter, positivity, movement, prayer, and breath.

Kevin Nathaniel was “called” to music by the magical sound of the mbira immediately and mysteriously after graduating “Scholar of the House” at Yale University. He then worked closely with legendary Zimbabwean mbira master Ephat Mujuru for many years. Kevin continues the mbira/kalimba legacy, creatively working to expand upon it. He has worked with a great variety of artists including Alice Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Jonathan Demme, Thomas Mapfumo, Miriam Makeba, Bobby McFerrin, Niles Rodgers, Madonna, Philip Glass, and Nana Vasconcelos.

kevinnathaniel.com

With Tomas Rodriguez on guitar.

Tomas Rodriguez is a New York City based guitarist who has developed a unique repertoire for guitar performance that is rooted in his ancestry and guided by the diverse styles of music that have inspired him.  These include the folk music of Galicia, Spain, the music of Venezuelan harp masters Juan Vicente Torrealba and Malian kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté.  Informed by this broad palette, Rodriguez’ own compositions display an engaging groove, touching harmonies and a mesmerizing exploration of the guitar’s rich background in the music of Africa and the Americas,  In addition to his solo work, he also performs in duos with the Gambian kora master Salieu Suso and jazz cellist Barry Kornhauser.

Rodriguez’ guitar playing has captivated audiences nationally and internationally.  He has performed at International Festival of the Guitar in Lima, Peru, the Brooklyn Museum, Merkin Hall, and Trinity Church in New York City as well as the New Jersey Center for the Performing Arts (NJPAC), the World Expressions Series at Boise State University and the University of Virginia. He has commercially released three full length albums: Guitarra de mi Alma, Dialogue, and most recently, Ruminations.

tomasrodriguez.com

Starts at 7:30. Free with your meal. Everything is Eshi.

Music at Bunna Cafe, Under The Grass Roof.