World beat music allows listeners to experience the rich culture of nations around the world and share in an art form that has no language barrier. Bringing her unique island sound to Hailey, Cape Verde Islands' Lura will perform at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey on Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Sun Valley Center for the Arts members, $20 for non-members and $5 for children 12 and under.
The warm and feel-good sounds of Lura and her musical accompaniments will not only help to usher in spring but will bridge two nations so very far apart.
"My music is a mix of Creole and African dialects," Lura said with a very strong Creole accent. "We are a country the Portuguese colonized near Senegal with an African history."
Creole—in this case a mixture of Portuguese and African languages—is the language of Cape Verdes Islands, but the nation's cultural influences come from Africa, Europe, Brazil and Cuba. It's a small country, but very rich in musical tradition said Lura.
"I want people to know we are here," Lura said. "We are in the world, and we have something to show."
Lura's songs reveal stories about the Cape Verde Islands and the daily routine of its people, including how they love and live. Her work includes the islands' history of trade route cultures, which have contributed to the unique musical tradition that has evolved in the Cape Verde Islands. Lura's music embraces French Afro-pop, Brazilian rhythms and African music.
"It is very important for me to sing in the United States," Lura said. "I keep coming back, and it's a very good sign that people are liking my projects. I invite everyone to come so I can have the opportunity to be with you, feel you and show you my music."
Cape Verdean music was made famous by Cesaria Evora. Lura has built upon Evora's breakthrough style with her own street sense and urban influences. She is the new generation of the islands' music tradition.
"I will try to sing well," Lura said. "The United States is a country with the most beautiful voices in the world—I will try to do my best."
Lura has produced five albums. "Di Korpu ku Alma" ("Of Body and Soul") was her international debut album in May 2005 and gave her recognition as Best Newcomer at the BBC Radio 3 Awards and Best World Music Album at Les Victoires de la Musique in France. In 2006 Lura released "M' Bem di Fora" ("I Come from the Country" or "I Come from Far Away"). She will perform works from both albums.
Recently Lura appeared at festivals in Europe and North America, including the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Garden Nights Festival in Merano, Italy, and the Festival de Marseille in France.
To purchase tickets, go online at sunvalleycenter.org or call 726-9491, ext. 10, or visit The Center in Ketchum.
From the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa, Lura will perform her special blend of French Afro-pop, Brazilian rhythms and earthy, traditional African music at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. Photo by
