The Mandingo Ambassadors were founded in New York City by griot-guitarist Mamady Kouyaté in 2005. As a veteran of the great orchestras of the golden age of Guinean dance bands, Mamady is a living library of musical science inherited from his ancestors and from a half-century of experience as an arranger, bandleader, accompanist, and soloist. Mamady Kouyaté carried this heritage with him to New York where he has collaborated with members of the West African diaspora and Western musicians to continue the great tradition and sound of Guinean Afro-jazz. Since the summer of 2008 the group has been in residence at Barbes, performing every Wednesday night at this well-known Brooklyn venue. In addition, they have performed at many clubs, events and festivals including Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Celebrate Brooklyn, and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. “Dazzling vocal and guitar patterns over a rhythm section that is like a perfect system” Ben Ratliff, NY Times. Mamady Kouyaté is accompanied by his long-time friend and fellow Guinean, Mamady Kouruma — the pair have played together since their teenage years, traveling from village to village and performing as troubadours. This quintet format also features Oran Etkin on horns. West African Golden Age Afro-jazz is a recipe for dancing and feeling uplifted by lovely, buoyant, melodies. Endless good vibes at this one. DJ Quills spins before, between and after. TICKET DESCRIPTION: Gates open at 6pm and the music begins at 7pm. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors at the Florence Congregational Church and masks will then be required for the duration of the show. Food pop-up vendors will be on site! ABOUT THIS GATHERING: The beautiful backyard of Beit Ahavah at Florence Congregational Church (130 Pine Street, Florence) is centrally located and provides us with generous and ample space to listen to music, enjoy each other’s company, and also continue following state guidelines regarding social distancing. MASK POLICY UPDATE: Many people are ready to shed their masks. Others may have not yet been vaccinated, may have underlying vulnerabilities, or may be protecting loved ones who do. We’d like everyone to feel welcome and comfortable at our events. To that end, we will be dividing the lawn into a masked and unmasked section. Please select the section where you feel most comfortable. In addition: Wearing a mask is mandatory if you aren’t fully vaccinated yet, despite the outdoor setting. By default, this applies to all children under 12. Vaccinated or not — we ask that everyone wear a mask when entering the event, walking around, or waiting in line to use the restroom or ordering food. IN CASE OF RAIN: If rain is forecasted, we will move the event indoors to the Sanctuary and everyone will be required to wear masks for the duration of the show. 6PM BYO picnic. Music at 7PM. Special thanks to Downright Productions for sponsoring this event with sound and light.