In an effort to challenge and delight American audiences’ conceptions of traditional African music, producers Avrom Caplan and Eli Cane have thus far focused the series on a variety of instruments, featuring only one all-drumming concert. The next six months, however, will see three concerts dedicated solely to the high-energy playing of virtuoso drum ensembles.

Kicking off with a powerhouse display of Royal Court Drumming from Ghana on October 11th, and continuing over the next five months, the Series will explore the sounds of West Africa, with stops in Ghana, Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. Also featured will be the unique, flute-driven fusions of the Fula Flute Ensemble, as well as an exploration of traditional and popular guitar styles with scholar, author, journalist, and guitar guru Banning Eyre.

Where’s the 1? Productions was founded to promote traditional musics from across Africa and to seeing this music established as the beautiful, sophisticated, relevant, and living music that it is. The Acoustic African Music Series is a once-a-month concert event held at the Cornelia Street Café, located at 29 Cornelia Street in New York City’s West Village. Each installment is dedicated to a different music and musician, providing a unique performance opportunity and giving musicians the freedom to play the ritual, social, joyful, and ceremonial music of their countries and regions.

All shows are held at the Cornelia Street Café, 29 Cornelia Street between Bleeker and West 4th. Located at the West 4th subway stop, please call for reservations and information: (212) 989-9319. Show times are 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM, with doors opening 15 minutes prior. Tickets are $10 or $12 at the door depending on the event, plus a $6 drink minimum.