LEGENDS AT WORK

When Afrocubism made its U.S. debut at Town Hall in late 2010, a large part of its immense appeal lay in the subtle tensions between the sturdy Cuban clave and the more layered and lilting rhythms of its Mali contingent. The ensemble World Circuit Records’ Nick Gold set out to record in Havana in 1996 (ending up instead with the millions-selling Buena Vista Social Club), Afrocubism beatifically blends singer-guitarist Eliades Ochoa and his band Patria with Toumani Diabaté (kora), Bassekou Kouyaté (ngoni), Djelimady Tounkara (electric guitar), Lassana Diabaté (balafon), and Kasse Mady Diabaté (vocals). Their sound overflows with languid downhill riffs, graceful rustic soloing, and Cuban country charisma. Led by a Sudan-born, Yemen-raised singer, Alsarah & the Nubatones, tonight’s openers for this Celebrate Brooklyn! show, specialize in the loping pentatonic grooves of East Africa.

Sat., June 9, 7:30 p.m., 2012