Amadou & Mariam and Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird is a Chicago-born violinist, singer, and songwriter known for his diverse musical styles, including jazz, folk, and indie rock. He gained early success with Bowl of Fire and Squirrel Nut Zippers, then shifted to a solo career, achieving acclaim with albums like "Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs" and Grammy-nominated "My Finest Work Yet." Bird collaborates with artists like Fiona Apple and Madison Cunningham and has scored films like "Norman." His work blends instrumental looping, literate lyrics, and whistling, making him a unique and versatile figure in modern music.

Amadou & Mariam, a musical duo from Mali, met at Bamako's Institute for the Young Blind. Known for blending traditional African sounds with global influences, they've collaborated with Manu Chao and Damon Albarn, releasing hits like *Dimanche à Bamako*. Their acclaimed album *Welcome to Mali* features K'Naan and TV on the Radio. With numerous awards, they've performed worldwide, including at Glastonbury and with Africa Express.