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SALISBURY, MD---The Balla Kouyaté Ensemble performs on Salisbury University’s Red Square to help kick off the National Folk Festival’s return to Salisbury 7 p.m. Thursday, September 9.

Kouyaté, a world-renowned balafon player, is part of a family lineage of 800 years that is upholding West African traditions. Kouyaté learned to play the balafon as a child and was soon playing alongside his mother, motivating agricultural laborers during harvest season. As a young adult, he emigrated to the U.S. in 2000 to pursue music as a profession, settling in Massachusetts. Kouyaté is featured on more than 25 albums, including the works of Yo-Yo Ma.

Those planning to attend must complete in advance.

Those planning to park on campus must register in advance for a free parking pass from the .

For more information call 410-543-6450 or visit the ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõwebsite.