Skirball ‘Fretloose’ series coming soon

The Skirball Cultural Center will inaugurate two new concert series this fall: “Fretloose,” which will explore the work of exceptional guitarists from a diversity of cultures and styles, and “A World of Songs,” showcasing the singer/songwriter tradition from different parts of the

world.

At 8 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 6,

Malian blues guitarist/storyteller Boubacar “Kar Kar” Traore will kick off “Fretloose,” performing songs about life, love, politics and solidarity reminiscent of the Mississippi blues. His music is rooted in the distinctive Khassonke rhythms of the Kayes region in northwest Mali.

At 2:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 1 a documentary, “I’ll Sing

For You,” will be

screened. Admission

is free. The film blends

the history of post-colonial Mali with the life of Traore, one of the region’s most popular musicians, who in his early career in Mali was likened to America’s Chuck Berry, James Brown and Elvis Presley. Traore’s music is featured, as is fellow Malian musician Ali Farka Toure. The film is in French with English subtitles.

Italian singer/songwriter Gianmaria Testa will launch “A World of Songs” at 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 6, taking the stage with richly melodic songs tinted with accents of tango, bossa nova, habanera and jazz. Testa will be joined by Enzo Pietropaoli on double bass and Pier R. Ponzo on clarinet and alto saxophone. Testa is known for his subtle and elegant way of telling stories of melancholy and quiet joy.

Tickets to the concerts range from $15 to $25 and advance reservations are recommended by calling TicketWeb at (866) 4683399. The Skirball Cultural Center is at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For general information, call (310) 440-4500.