World Music Stars Tinariwen Return to the United States in April 2009

One of the world’s favorite African bands, Tuareg rockers Tinariwen return to the United States after a long desert hiatus and fresh off a UK tour with folk/electronic group Tuung. With a new concert DVD titled Live in London (World Village 458086), Tinariwen’s mesmerizing live show is infamous among both world music and rock fans alike, as the group’s music and fascinating story have captured imaginations across genres.

Once actual warriors in the heavily turbulent homeland of the Tuareg - nomads in the southern Sahara - the members of Tinariwen first turned to music as a more profound weapon in 1982, but remained underground until 1999 when the group moved to Bamako, the capital of Mali. Tinariwen have since become a symbol for the plight of the Tuareg, a people plagued by ethnic cleansing, eternal warfare and merciless drought.

After opening for the Rolling Stones in August 2007, Tinariwen’s music began reaching ears across the world, and has recently been cited as an influence by such groups as Coldplay and Radiohead, and aired on the radio waves by the likes of Black Flag’s Henry Rollins. Their blues and psychedelic-tinged guitar rock has been featured in major music magazines and newspapers.

In addition to Live In London, 2009 brings a re-release on vinyl of Tinariwen’s latest album Aman Iman  as well as a new six-part documentary The Music of Resistance, Al Jazeera’s in-depth exploration of artists around the world who fight against oppression and injustice. Presented by Asian Dub Foundation’s Steve Chandra Savale, the documentary highlights artists from locations like Mozambique, Cape Verde and Nigeria, with interviews and live concert footage.

2009 U.S. Tour:

April 16 - Palace of Fine Arts
San Francisco CA

April 17 – Rio Theatre
Santa Cruz CA

April 18 – Coachella
Indio CA

April 19 – Santa Fe Brewing Co
Santa Fe NM

April 21 – KTAOS Solar Center
Taos NM

April 22 – Old Town School
Chicago IL

April 24 – Le Poisson Rouge
New York NY

April 25 – Heineken TransAtlantic Fest
Miami FL

Buy the CDs and DVD:

• In North America: Aman Iman: Water is Life (CD), Radio Tisdas Sessions (CD), Amassakoul (CD), Live in London (DVD)
• In Europe: Aman Iman: Water Is Life (CD), Amassakoul (CD), Aman Iman: Water Is Life (Vinyl)