The kora, a 21-string harp-lute used in traditional West African music, has a strangely international appeal, such as when jazz innovator Herbie Hancock used it in his 1984 album Village Life. From the tiny Senegalese ethnic minority the Mandika people, kora musician Solo Cissokho knows full well the transnational power of his instrument—at least, people in Norway seem to really like it. Based out of Oslo, Cissokho frequently collaborates with Swedish-born fiddle player Ellika Frisell. The unlikely fusion of West African harp with Scandinavian folk has proven both fruitful and sonically rich. Their collaboration on Tretakt Takissaba won a BBC World Music Award in the Boundary Crossing category. Boundary crossing, indeed. Following a performance of an entire kora orchestra, Solo Cissokho performs solo on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 142 Throckmorton Theater. 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 8pm. $15–$18. 415.383.9600.Daniel Hirsch
.Aug. 27: Solo Cissokho at Throckmorton Theater
