Join us for a celebratory and uplifting concert with a powerhouse ensemble of artists and global collaborators lead by master sabar percussionist Aba Diop.
6pm, Sunday, September 28, 2025
Kings Oaks
Aba Diop & the Yermande Family bring rhythm as medicine. Led by master griot percussionist, Aba Diop, their concerts center sabar—drums traditionally used for healing, celebration, and spiritual connection. Rooted in Senegalese rhythm and call-and-response tradition, the music blends polyrhythmic percussion, improvisational guitar, microtonal melodies, and soaring voice. The overall effect is deeply mystical, uplifting, and undeniably dance worthy.
Advance reservations required. Seating is limited, we anticipate that this event will sell out. In addition to seating, there will be ample room for those inspired to move or dance to the music. All ages welcome.
The Venue
Free on-site parking on grass. This open-air performance will take place under cover but within the natural setting of Kings Oaks farm. Please dress for the weather. While tickets are non-refundable, in the event of extreme weather a “rain date” performance will take place at 7:00 pm on Monday, September 29.
Accessibility
The venue is paved and accessible off of the main driveway across a gently sloping lawn. If you have questions about accessibility, please contact us at kingsoaks@comcast.net or 215-603-6573.
More about Aba Diop & the Yermande Family
At first glance, master sabar percussionist Aba Diop may seem like a “new arrival” on the global stage—suddenly appearing alongside luminaries like John Medeski and Yussef Dayes. But to call Aba new is to overlook a lifetime of dedication. Born into an unbroken griot lineage in Senegal, Aba carries centuries of sacred musical knowledge in his hands.
Aba Diop & the Yermande Family is more than a band, it’s a griot-led project redefining the role of percussion. Often heard in the background of Senegalese music, sabar and tama take center stage here as lead voices in a sound that spans continents. Rooted in healing, prayer, and celebration, these rhythms aren’t just accompaniment, they are source. “Our percussion heals,” Aba says. With master musicians from Senegal and boundary-pushing collaborators from the U.S., the ensemble plays with a shared fluency in improvisation, deep listening, and groove.
“Musically and spiritually Aba Diop & the Yermande Family is as powerful and important as anything I have heard or been a part of. There is nothing like it.” —John Medeski
The name Yermande means compassion, community care, and reverence, values that shape both the music and its mission. At its core, this is music as medicine—spiritual, rooted, and alive with joy.
Their latest album, Family, with special guest John Medeski, was released on August 29, 2025. Learn more.