Savannah Music Festival LIVE Presents: Bela Fleck Africa Project, Episode One

Original air date: Week of June 29, 2009
Though the banjo is commonly associated with American musical styles such as country, folk and bluegrass, the stringed instrument was actually adapted from several African musicians before it developed into the modern banjo during the 20th century. One of the most renowned banjoists in the world today is Bela Fleck, who in early 2005, embarked on a trip to Africa in which he collaborated musically with some of the top musicians there. Four years later he assembled some of his favorite musicians from across the African continent and brought them over for a short tour in the United States. During this two-hour program we listen to performances by Toumani Diabate, Vusi Mahlasela, D'Gary, and Anania Ngoliga with their musical partners, and with Bela Fleck and fiddler Casey Driessen.

Original air date: Week of June 29, 2009
Though the banjo is commonly associated with American musical styles such as country, folk and bluegrass, the stringed instrument was actually adapted from several African musicians before it developed into the modern banjo during the 20th century. One of the most renowned banjoists in the world today is Bela Fleck, who in early 2005, embarked on a trip to Africa in which he collaborated musically with some of the top musicians there. Four years later he assembled some of his favorite musicians from across the African continent and brought them over for a short tour in the United States. During this two-hour program we listen to performances by Toumani Diabate, Vusi Mahlasela, D'Gary, and Anania Ngoliga with their musical partners, and with Bela Fleck and fiddler Casey Driessen.