If you're looking for something totally different, and from left field, you already know to look to the UCLA Live program. But on February 20th, they're bringing something extra-special, something so far from the typical live music of Los Angeles, that it could very well blow your mind and expand your horizons at the same time. It's hard to imagine more humble, un-rock star-ish beginnings than the story of Tinariwen, a group that formed in a refugee camp in Libya. The members of Tinariwen are from the nomadic Saharan group the Tuaregs, and at their start, they began by creating propaganda songs for the Tuareg rebel movement in Mali. Their unique sound combines traditional Tuareg poetry and music with influences as wide-ranging as Algerian pop rai, and Western blues and rock music. They will perform as part of the UCLA Live program with special guests. Guaranteed you won't find a more interesting backstory, or more interesting music than Tinariwen.
Tinariwen, UCLA Royce Hall, 405 Hilgard Ave, Westwood, CA, February 20, 8pm