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THURSDAY

A 21-stringed West African instrument that combines aspects of both the harp and the lute, the kora can be played in an intricate, highly percussive manner or a gentler style better suited for accompanying vocalists. The former approach is associated with Senegal, where kora player Djimo Kouyate was born. A 149th-generation member of a clan of griots (traditional African poet-musician-storytellers), Kouyate was a founder of the National Dance Company of Senegal, but he has lived in the Washington area for almost 20 years. In this performance, he’ll demonstrate his mastery of the kora and perform traditional griot songs and music from Senegal and Gambia. At 5 and 6:30 p.m. at the National Museum of African Art Lobby, 950 Independence Ave. SW. Free. (202) 357-2700. (MJ)