John Hughes, Kora (West African Harp) Harpist from Northampton, MA
Will travel up to 500 miles
- Avg 5.0 | 15 Reviews
- 24 Verified Bookings
- Member Since 2014
- 5 Awards & Badges
- Virtual Services Offered
- Accepts Online Payment
- Starting at $250 per event
About Vendor
Learn more about this vendor for your event.
Joyful music for all occasions! John Hughes is an innovative kora (West African harp) player, World Music percussionist and vocalist whose style ranges from elegant and stately classical West African harp music to jazzy, hypnotic grooves that cross cultural boundaries and fuse disparate cultural influences. Playing ancient traditional instruments not often heard in the United States (many of which he builds himself), John takes his audience on an intimate tour of universally musical expressions of joy and hope, at once soothing and up-lifting. Whether playful or romantic, Johns music will cast a web of delight, creating the ideal ambience to unite all in attendance in fellowship and joy. Perfect for: * Weddings * Receptions * Cocktail Hour * Garden Parties * Corporate Functions * Dinner parties * Galas * Fundraisers * Openings * Etc. The kora is an ancient 22 stringed harp from the Mandeng people of West Africa. Nearly as far back as a thousand years ago, the kora set the tone in the royal courts of the emperors of West Africa. It was present at all community celebrations including weddings, births and initiations. It was played in courts of law to ground and harmonize disgruntled plaintiffs. It inspired celebrants at parties to dance and sing and soothed children gathered in village courtyards each night before bed. John Hughes is an internationally recognized kora player, percussionist, singer, dancer, sculptor, instrument builder and educator. He holds an M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.F.A. from the Tyler School of Art of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and the West Surrey College of Art and Design in Farnham, England. John has studied the music song and dance of West Africa for over 25 years, training with numerous master drummers and dancers from Guinea and Mali, including Mamady Keita and Famoudou Konate. As a Kora player, John is primarily self-taught and has developed a style all his own, though deeply rooted in the ancient Mande tradition. John has released five CDs of original music. Also available: The Kora & Cello Duo Kora player John Hughes and cellist Stephen Katz are each exceptions to many a rule. The duo's avant-garde fusion of African and European strings reaches, at once, deeply into their respective traditions and far and wide outside of the proverbial 'boxes' of both. The result is an errant complicity of deeply poetic proportions. Focusing on the essence - rhythm, harmony, and silence - John and Stephen bring to their collaboration unique and proprietary styles of playing as well as the compositional agility and deep listening of consummate improvisers. Stately and elegant, intense and passionate, precise and playful, the music frolics through time and space like bees in a field of wildflowers - euphonic praise of life and fellowship! The k o r a & c e l l o d u o is available for concerts, weddings, private parties, etc.
Services
View a list of services offered by this vendor.
Reviews
Check out these verified reviews from bookings on The Bash.
Sort:
Review by Robin W.
Community Event Reviewed on August 25, 2024 From Deerfield, NH
John Hughes, Kora (West African Harp):
Thank you, Robin!!Review by Cindy D.
Cocktail Party Reviewed on August 4, 2024 From New Britain, CT
John Hughes, Kora (West African Harp):
Thank you!!!Review by Katania S.
Corporate Function Reviewed on July 2, 2024 From Canton, MA
Awards & Badges
See why this vendor is top rated on The Bash.
Booked Events
: The Bash Verified Bookings
Upcoming Events
No upcoming eventsPast Events
Plan, book, celebrate—with confidence
Find Harpists in Northampton, MA to bring your event to life.
Trusted Vendors
With verified reviews and thousands of ratings, it's easy to book the perfect Harpists for all types of events in Northampton, MA—no matter how big or small.
Free Booking Platform
It's free to book and make secure online payments through The Bash. Once the booking for your selected Harpist is confirmed, it's covered by our Booking Guarantee.
Top-Rated Service
Our US based team of Account Specialists are here to help every step of the way. Since 1997, we've connected planners with vendors for over half a million events.