We try to attend at least one of our many local farmer’s market weekly. While our primary reason for a visit to the market is to purchase fresh, seasonal, local fruits and vegetables, what my son likes the best is the music. Each of the markets seems to have a different musician or band playing each week.
This week, at the Thursday San Ramon Farmer’s Market, we had a treat… a musician playing the kora. It’s not often I see an instrument I’m not familiar with, and this harp-like one was beautiful. The musician’s name was Keenan Webster, and he created a great rapport with my son, gently answering all of my son’s questions about the music he was playing. Keenan explained how the kora is made (out of a gourd), where it traditionally came from (West Africa), and the original purpose of the instrument (story-telling). My son was fascinated. Keenan lives in the East Bay.. anyone with kids around here might want to find out where he’s performing next and check his music out.
Keenan Webster’s website (with his music): www.myspace.com/keenanwebster
San Ramon Farmer’s Market (Thursdays 10-2 and Saturdays 9-1): sanramonfarmersmarket.wordpress.com
Great outside fun… enjoying music at the local farmer’s market!
You can’t tell in these pictures, but my son is dancing… jamming in his own way to the music…
hike.wander.wonder 
looks fun! 🙂
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A beautiful instrument plus a talented, informative musician who’s great with kids… pretty cool! My son was enchanted.
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that is a great outing….never seen a Kora before…I think it is so great that you are exposing your son (and me) to so much of the world!
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Thats a fine musician, and I have not seen this type of musical instrument before.
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It was fun to experience a new instrument!
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I used the link you provided and only heard the sounds – and when I came back to your post and saw the size of the instrument, I was really surprised by that! It’s lovely, and what a wonderful experience for your boy!
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My son loves all music, but this guy was great with him!
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So sweet! You’re so fortunate, too — I bet you have access to some of the best farmers’ markets in the country!
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Yes, the produce is outstanding. In California, you can’t complain about the local vegetable and fruit selection. And every little community has a farmer’s market.
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