Called "The Hendrix of the Sahara," Creative Alliance is thrilled to bring Vieux Farka Touré, the son of the late, legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Toure, back to the stage. The elder Ali Farka Touré came from a historical tribe of soldiers, and defied his parents by becoming a musician. When Ali's son Vieux was in his teens, he declared that he also wanted to be a musician. His father disapproved due to the pressures he had experienced as a musician. Rather, he wanted Vieux to become a soldier, but shortly before Ali passed away, he gave Vieux his blessings to become a musician.

Vieux inherited his father's astonishing guitar techniques and remains true to his father's legacy while forging his own sound using elements of rock, Latin music, and other African influences. Vieux Farka Toure has clearly established himself as one of the world’s rare musical talents and guitar virtuosos with a distinct style that pays homage to the past while looking towards the future.

For this performance Vieux and his full band will be joined by Julia Easterlin in celebration of the collaborative project TOURISTES. Vieux Farka Touré and Julia Easterlin met for the first time last summer for an impromptu studio session in New York. Something divine happened at this session, transcending what each musician is capable of creating alone. A collaboration was born and an entire album project entitled TOURISTES was conceived as an exploration of their respective musical roots and passions. Together, Vieux and Julia discovered something entirely new and unique and have proven to be kindred spirits in moments of pure beauty, joy, melancholy, and magic. Join us for this rare opportunity to hear music that is equal parts modern and ancient, haunting and playful, subtle and visceral.