Toubab Krewe & Joseph Arthur: New York Guitar Festival

About the Event

The Ensemble Toubab Krewe and guitarist Joseph Arthur perform this evening at Silent Films / Live Guitars at Merkin Concert Hall.

The West African‐inspired Asheville, North Carolina‐based ensemble Toubab Krewe plays Malian‐accented world‐pop that’s imbued with laconic, Southeastern minimalism. Their cross‐cultural flair will take a turn to the East as the band premieres an original score to Japanese director Yasujirô Ozu’s boisterous comedy 'I Was Born, but…'. Two young brothers, outsiders in a new town, skip school to dodge a bully and fret over their father’s lowly social standing as an office clerk.

Grammy‐nominated singer‐songwriter Joseph Arthur tunes his jangly pop guitar to “Fatty” Arbuckle’s 1917 comedy 'Oh Doctor!' with Arbuckle taking the lead as Dr. Holepoke. Once again, Buster Keaton contributes a share in slapstick mayhem.

Born at Merkin Concert Hall more than 10 years ago, the city‐wide New York Guitar Festival explores the many aspects of the guitar’s musical personality through commissioning new work and supporting innovative, multi‐media collaborations among outstanding artists.