The Franklin Theatre with AfricaNashville presents Jeff Coffin & Friends, featuring The Yeli Ensemble. This event features an all-star line up of performers including Cory Wong (Vulfpeck, Dave Koz, Jon Batiste, The Fearless Flyers, Grammy Nominee), Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, 5x Grammy Winner), and Nate Smith (Paul Simon, Brittany Howard, The Fearless Flyers, Grammy Nominee).

YELI ENSEMBLE:

SORY, & IBRAHIMA are from the Yeli caste (also called Djeli or Griot). MOHAMED AND AGATHE were raised in a Yeli tradition by their parents.  A ‘Yeli’ is a ‘living archive’ of the African people’s traditions. They all grew up learning their traditional music and dance from their parents and elders and are recognized as storytellers and keepers of knowledge that has been passed down through countless generations.

JEFF COFFIN is a globally celebrated saxophonist, composer, educator, and is recognized for his breathtaking, enigmatic compositions, and searing improvisations. He is a member of the legendary U.S. rock group, Dave Matthews Band and you may also know him from his 14 year tenure, and 3 GRAMMY® Awards, with the genre-defying Bela Fleck & the Flecktones.

Sponsored by Jackson National Life