Personnel (left to right):

Michael Smolens
balafon, djun-djuns, shakers, bell, dumbek, tambourine,
alto flute, melodica, vocals

Brian Rice
djembe, dun-dun, udu, shekere, bell, pandeiro, congas,
cajon, dumbek, riqq, ocean drum, vocals

Daniel Berkman
kora, djembe, bell, tambourine, ukulele, vocals

Description

Three veteran performers/composers/recording artists
join forces to create an enchanting fusion
of traditional and original West African
melodies and rhythms.

The heart of this dynamic and captivating ensemble
are the indigenous instruments balafon (marimba),
dun-dun (talking drum), and kora (harp),
uniquely combined with alto flute, ukulele,
melodica, djembe, djun-djuns, shekere,
bells, tambourine, and vocals.

The band's emotional range spans from
the delicate and longing to the inspiring and ecstatic,
while their collective cosmopolitan backgrounds
give birth to unpredictable musical excursions.

Quotes from Presenters

"The Bal du Kor house concert here was fascinating
and trance-inducing. The interplay between the percussionists
with a full armament of foreign instruments was virtuosic
and captivating.  The kora stole the show at times,
with its harp-like sounds, in the hands of a master..."

—Robert Cowart,
   (host of Hillside Concerts in Berkeley
    following the group's February 5th, 2011 performance)

"Bal du Kor offers an exciting journey of music that is both lyric,
and, entrancing. The diverse instrumentation keeps it
interesting and fresh from one piece to the next.  
I encourage you to check them out!"

—Sylvia Brallier,
   (host of the group's April 9th, 2011 House Concert)

"Thank you Bal du Kor for bringing your colorful music
to Step-Up Music. In our attempt to bring highly creative
and off-the-beaten-path music to our school,
your group was a total success!   
The great musicianship—demonstrated by
all three of you on so many instruments and vocals—
inspired our students and wowed our audience.
True to your West-African roots, yet improvisational
in your approach, you demonstrate
how to be tastefully innovative. 
Bal du Kor will appeal to all ages and tastes,
and watch out, you might even find yourself up on
your feet dancing wildly!"   

—Ariane Cap, Director, Step-Up Music (Vallejo)
   (following Bal du Kor's May 15th, 2010 performance
at Step-Up Music)

"Bal Du Kor was a hit! Although it was a blistering hot day,
families at the Summerfest in Moraga stayed
to enjoy this West-African trio. They were professional,
easy to work with, and sounded great."

—Coley Lemaster (LeMaster Concierge)

"The children and families of
Children's' Village Child Development Center
    thoroughly enjoyed the ebullient sounds of 'Bal du Kor'!
This wonderful group of musicians
helped create an ambience of warmth and sharing.
Our event celebrating West-African cultural heritage
was an evening to remember, thanks to 'Bal du Kor'." 
  
—Molly Skuse (Executive Director, Children's Village Child Development Center, SF branch)

Praise for Bal du Kor

"On Wednesday, February 14, 2007,
the talented West African Trio 'Bal du Kor' performed
with indigenous African instruments playing authentic
West African music...to the delight of all."

—Castilleja School