The musical group — Amanar (photo by Ben Solomon for NYT)

Reading the Sunday New York Times is always a treat, especially when I have the right setting in which to read and enjoy it.  


Depending on the time of day I sit to enjoy the paper, the details change, but typically it involves some sort of…

• strong liquid (coffee, tequila, bourbon, etc.) 

• music (preferably vinyl, or a Qello Concert from AppleTV — I happen to have the Black Keys Live in Portland on right now)

• comfortable chair (in this a bungee chair that Santa left the kids)

• mood lighting (fireplace, candle, sun rise, etc.

I always start with Travel section… and find something cool.

Today when Times writer Joshua Hammer called himself a “Malian music aficionado” I nearly spilled my drink (in this case small batch bourbon on the rocks with a lime) with curiosity.  


I’ve talked music with many a folk, and never even heard of such a thing.  


This could be the best answer to my typical “get-to-know-you” question (“What kind of music do you like?”). 


My thought has been, even if someone answers hip-hop or country (two genres I do not like), I can respect them, or more specifically… I can relate to them because music is important to them.  


Someone who says… “I like whatever is on the radio” has made it clear that they don’t enjoy music the way I (or my readers) do.


It is definitely something you are born with (or not).

BUT BACK TO THE POINT OF THE STORY…




With the explosion of destination music festival around the world, it’s super cool to see one happening along the Niger River in which local music (not importing Robert Plant or Jimmy Buffet) was the focus with so much gusto.


The bands play on barges that circle this small area of the River.


Here is the full NYT article with “more better” description of the festival.

In fact the festival runs Feb 4 to 8 (travel tour website).


The midnight jam led by Amanar (here is the band’s website) sounds fantabulous.  So many venues, so much to hear!


F.Y.W. rancheleros….