Get on the bus for desert music

6:20pm Monday 12th May 2008

Theatr Mwldan is organising a trip to see the outstanding Malian band Tinariwen at Pontardawe Arts Centre on Tuesday, May 20th.

This is the first time the band has performed in Wales and will be supported by Justin Adams and Juldeh Camera.

Tinariwen is one of the great musical success stories of recent years.

Emerging from the Sahara desert in 2002, they have grabbed the attention of world music and rock fans alike, stormed the album charts and left a trail of critical acclaim and stunning live appearances.

Their seductive snaking electric guitars, rolling rhythms and desert-dry sound make for an awesome musical experience.

In the early 1990s, Tinariwen fought a rebellion against the government of Mali to win greater freedom and self-determination for the Touareg people of the southern Sahara. The fight gave birth to a whole new style of desert music, which Tinariwen invented and have since used to carry their message of desert pride and survival to the four corners of the globe.

Their roots rock rebellion of the soul is one of the most entrancing sounds to emerge from Africa in years.

Often referred to as the UK's answer to Ry Cooder, Justin Adams has an unmatched knowledge of both blues and African styles, co-wrote the acclaimed Robert Plant album Mighty Rearranger, and has produced two of Tinariwen's albums.

Adams is joined by Juldeh Camara, a Gambian griot and master musician, who plays the ritti, a one-stringed fiddle. Deep and ancient trance-like rhythms are combined with the crackle of rock and roll electricity and desert blues.

Tickets cost £25 including entry and coach and are strictly non-refundable.

The coach will leave Theatr Mwldan at 6pm, returning from Pontardawe at around 11.30pm to arrive back in Cardigan at about 1am.

There are only a few places left on the bus, so contact the box office on 01239 621200 as soon as possible.