Ballard Park Summer Concerts: ZIKINA | Show of Cards

ZIKINA / SHOW OF CARDS

On July 17, global musical phenomenon ZIKINA features musicians who came from across continents and cultures to make something beautiful and new. Uganda native Gideon Ampeire draws you in with a variety of traditional East African instruments, including enanga (zither), adungu (harp), and kalimba (thumb piano) – all of which he builds himself. Michael Cardozo (guitar, percussion) improvises melodic conversations with Gideon and dances through the beat with punchy rhythmic lines. Roston Kirk (bass) and Kurt Eisele-Dyrli (drums) weave a sonic landscape that flows seamlessly from intense grooves to joyous dance beats to dreamy textures, as Gideon’s vocals cut powerfully through the fabric or float lightly above.

Opening for ZIKINA is SHOW OF CARDS, an indie folk-rock band founded by siblings Karen and Michael Cardozo. The duo’s set features a selection of prior work as well as new material from Karen’s forthcoming solo album, inspired by her time in Westport. Both acts are based in the region spanning Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.