Youssou N'dour

Outstanding concert and group performance at the Lisner Auditorium in DC. Phenomenal musical energy, and the dancers were awesome beyond belief. This Youssou N'dour concert ran for nearly three hours without an intermission. Amazing! And then the artists hit the lobby for photos with fans and CD autographs. The only downside was the line of usher/security folk blocking the stage. I've noticed this at the last few Lisner concerts. In the past, it was just fine for audience members to dance on stage with the group, but not the last few gigs. Maybe someone complained.

Amazing performance, it worth every dollar i paid. i am already looking forward to the next performance. i hope it will be in DC or VA. since i have to drive 6.5hrs from VA to Columbus

Saying that it was AMAZING is not enough! Best show ever

Too wonderful for words!!!! One of the best performances I have EVER seen!

My husband introduced me to Youssou N'Dour's music when we were dating, but I've never seen him in person. His performance was excellent. I really enjoyed the singing, instruments and the dancers. Two negatives though: the sound was very loud and the volume of the instruments made it hard to hear the singing (at least for me). Also, it was hot in the auditorium -0 wish it had been more comfortable. But would highly recommend seeing this artist in person.

Show didn't start on time. The concert was scheduled for 9pm, didn't start until 10pm. No warning of this, no announcement. Just started "whenever they're ready." Otherwise it was a good performance, but they focused on all up-beat songs (other than 7 seconds).

Golden voice, Africa's best, from the suburbs of Dakar Senegal to rest of the world, how bless r we

I enjoyed every minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was great!!! The last time I went to his show---I was in high school-----about 19yrs ago....

Angelique Kidjo was as energetic as ever. She asked the audience to "ignore the seats", get up and dance. Tens of front row fans ended up on stage at her invitation. Youssou N'dour sound was too saturated and his dancers were often a distraction, but the energy was great.

The custodians were great as we walked in right before the show without a long queque and quickly made it up to our seats. THe opening act rocked the place and filled it with energy which unfortunately died down a bit during the intermission as the crew set-up for the main act. Youssou N'Dour gave a great vocal performance which even in the balcony we could appreciate the acoustics. The only thing was in the latter stages the crew allowed people to jump up on stage interrupting the professional dancers too often.

I had to go because of the joy his music has given me and I got his records from the library! I owed him the $80 ticket price. It was fabulous to be that close, to hear "Set" live and in person. Angelique Kidjo was fabulous. The drummers and other musicians were terrific. I loved the dancers.

The concert was great! Enjoyed how they got the crowd involved! Never a dull moment and wonderful how it managed to start in a timely manner! worse part of course the PARKING awful and the long concession lines

While Youssou N'Dour's appearance this time did not produce the shear power and awe that came with his EGYPT tour several years ago, this was an exceedingly enjoyable experience. When half the audience knows the words and sings along, you know you're listening to a man who has won the hearts and enthusiasm of millions. Youssou sings with joy and exuberance, in clear true ringing tones.. His magnificent voice overcame even a rather poorly miked hall. I had not expected Angélique Kidjo to be on the bill as well, but she too was amazing. Truly amazing was Youssou and Angélique together to end the show. They both had the audience up and in the aisles from beginning to end. I would have rated 5 stars, but for the memory of EGYPT, which was magically awesome.

It was a great concert. Too bad that my cat Buster couldn't join.

- Angelique Kidjo is always entertaining but not thrilling (a little too western) in this performance. - We nearly walked out on Youssou N'dour until he settled down and actually sang a traditional Senegalese song. Just beautiful. -Rather disappointing overall.

N'Dour shows are always a treat, and what a bonus having such wonderful opening acts. Kidjo definitely got the crowd on their feet, so everyone was very amped when Youssou came on. Tight band, great set - a mixture of previous work, and several songs from the new Dakar to Kingston/Marley album. This man is a World Treasure - what an honor to be there in person. Thank you!

It was great. We had a good time. I hope to see him back here soon.

For those that want to hear the best in World or African Pop music this was the event to be at. Angelique Kidjo opened and got the audience involved even to the point of quite a number joining her on stage. I loved the fact that she sang Malaika (Swahili for Angel) a great African classic. Youssou N'Dour's band was amazing with 3 percussionists 2 keyboard players 2 electric guitar players, 2 background vocalists and several dancers who would come out every once in a while during the course of the concert. For those who are students of this kind of music it was a master class with the lead guitar player displaying the best in West African Griot style playing. The rhythmic interlocking and balance was just something to behold not to mention the amazing vocal agility and presence of Youssou himself.

The energy, the drums, the dancing, his voice and even the audience were fantastic! I was tired at work the next day but the music continued to play in my head and my body couldn't stop wanting to dance!

First, the fantastic opening act, Vusi Mahlasela, was only on for 20 minutes, beginning at 7:30 sharp when most of the audience had not even arrived. Second, Angelique Kidjo hardly sang, she gave over half of her stage time to walking through the audience and then brought all those amateurs on stage to dance - and do individual performances!! A complete waste of time. Then Youssou N'Dour devoted the first half of his limited time to his new "reggae" material, which was simply not as compelling as the African songs he finally turned to. But even for the African segment of the show, he somehow seemed disinterested. And then the ending - what was that about? He introduced the keyboardist from the Wailers, they sang a line or two of Redemption Song, commented that the union wouldn't let them continue (that song? the performance in general?) and left the stage. The end. The Nederlander thank you message came up on the screens, the lights came on and that was that. Bizarre end to a disappointing show. We frequently attend African music concerts at Royce Hall, the Skirball, and other venues, and we were eagerly anticipating this one; but it was among the worst we have seen in recent years.

Enjoyed the entire show. Each artist was terrific & so talented in their own right. I had seen Youssou N'Dour before, first was at the WOMAD festival in Seattle Washington, 11 years ago. I then so enjoyed & appreciated his African sound & purchased his CD's. Then saw him again in Seattle in a theater where there were no seats & everyone just danced his entire set. We stood 10 feet from the stage. So, by seeing him before I new that we were in for a treat & he definitely lived up to my expectations, he & his band were great ! Thank you for booking him to your venue. It was worth coming up from Orange County & staying in a hotel for the night to see an artist that I may never have the opportunity to see again.

once again, youssou was FANTASTIC! great crowd. Union shut down the concert abruptly. never experienced an end to a concert like that,

What a duo! What an incredible performance by all.... these are artists that deliver every time....

It was super fun and worth every second and penny. Youssou and his band kept us captivated the whole show. A world class event, a performer who lived up to his name. Thank you for suchoosing great memories.

This was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. Youssou Ndour and his entire band were professionals and the show was worth millions of dollars!

Great music and fantastic performances! Very talented musicians. HOWEVER, 9 o'clock concert did not start until 10:46 pm and absolutely no apology. That took away from the whole experience because us non-Africans were p.o'd but once the show started the music kept on going.

Don't worry about what seats you get because you wil be up and dancing throughout the concert.

I am never disappointed with his shows. His shows are always EXCITING--keeps the audience on their feet throughout the entire performance.

Youssou N'Dour's concert @ Lisner auditorium on June 23, 2011 may be the best concert I have attended out of perhaps one hundred concerts!!! He and his band were outstanding!!!

Definitely not the "sedate" event I was a bit afraid of. The concert was an up on your feet dancing, clapping, "testifying" celebration of music, high energy and begging for participation. His band is fabulous (the percussion "out-of-this-world"), and his voice as melodious as we have come to know it from recordings, whether he is singing Reggae, or in more traditional West African styles. The Dancers and acrobats add immesurably to the total effect of the show. N'Dours chrisma was seemingly as appreciated by white folk, like us, as it was by the wonderfully diverse audience of people of color. Our seats were all the way at the end of a fairly close up Orchestra row, and the acoustics left much to be desired from that listening point, but not understanding the languages in which N'Dour sang most of the night, it did not undermine our enjoyment. It would have been a very different story, had the concert been in English

Unbeatable energy all around. Super Etoile is a force to be reckoned with, four percussionists, two guitarists, a bassist and a keyboardist all in sync with each other and never getting in the way of the mbalax sound. Youssou's voice was front and center, and as a front man he knows how to work a crowd. People waved their arms and sang along with only the slightest of cues - a big smile on his face. It was like a psychic connection between performer and crowd. The dancers defied gravity and tested the limits of human strength without coming across as showy, rather complementing the spectacle and telling a story all their own. Beautiful music and an inspiring performer. One of Africa's finest.

The best concert that i have ever experienced. He is one of the world kings music.

As always Youssou was in great form. I have never seen him disappoint! He introduced the show as "Kingston - Dakar" - the opposite order from the title of his latest album Dakar - Kingston. Rightly so, starting with his latest Reggae offerings and finishing with "Mbalax" , the music which (like Bob Marley with respect to Reggae) he is rightfully recognized as the King of. The live performances of the reggae part of the show came off well - better than the album which for me seems to be a little bit of a "sell out " in an attempt to gain crossover acceptance with the western world. The Dakar sector of the concert was fabulous with emphasis on some of his more recent Mbalax offerings as well as inclusion of some (but not enough) of his classic numbers. The guitar work of Jimi M'baye (ever present with Youssou over the last 30 years) was, as always, precise and perfectly stated. The venue was a great place to see him - with a less formal atmosphere, allowing an easier inclusion of audience participation with Sabar dancing.

Youssou N'Dour was simple incredible, rich pure voice from the heavens.

This was my first time listening to Youssou N'Dour and seeing him in concert. My Senegalese friend had told me that it would be an unforgettable evening and he was right. It was absolutely electrifying; the energy in the room, the great performances, dancing , a great crowd and the venue was perfect for that type of event. Overall it was a night to remember.

His voice was pure and genuine. We need more musicians like Youssou N'Dour who can instantly connect with their audience. He is a rare treasure!

We went all the way up to the third level and found some cushioned stools, sat down on them and watched the show through the railings and had front row seats to a fantastic show from beginning to end.......the music, the dancing, the drumming, the ambiance and the vibes were all wonderful.......We truly enjoyed Youssou N'Dour. So when is the next show??? Outstanding!!! Fabulous!!! Out of this World!!!

Youssou N'Dour's voice is uniquely beautiful in studio recordings but I had never heard him perform live. He sounds amazing in person! A truly electrifying concert: stunning vocals, rhythms, dancing and audience!

Youssou is always a miracle on stage. He connects wonderfully with his audience. His sidemen and dancers were especially on point!

The only thing was standing up for 2 and a half hours (old dancer's knees). iIwould have loved to listen and move with the option of sitting! It was so jammed that we couldn't even dance. And there was a lot of dangerous jewelry being worn.

If you've never seen this man in concert, shame on you. This is an event that should not be missed!! His soulful sound resonates thru you to make you a part of the musical experience!!! I would recommend this concert to friends and family!! While it might help if you speak French in understanding the words, even if you don't speak, the melody of his voice enables you to understand and carries you along on this ride.

This was an extraordinary show full of incredible talent and energy that got everyone dancing and clapping!

Amazing! The youngest dancer performed was fantastic! *****

He is simply the best African performer of his time. He is amazing on scene and I also admire his work as an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. He is an inspiration and a role model.

The best concert ever!! My first Youssou N'dour concert. The crowd was diverse, the music was poetic, and heartfelt! How amazing!

His heart and soul were in every note. The guitarist was amazing. The dancer was stunningly talented, although I could have done with a bit more singing and a bit less of the dancing. There should be more opportunities to experience exceptional African talent.

Fantastic performance by Youssou and the Super Etoile band!

Fantastic show! It started on time and he put on a great show. Thanks for bringing in diverse groups!

remarkable voice, great connection with audience, and still shares a deep love of traditional and contemporary music from the Diaspora.

It was the best show i ever been!! I was dancing the whole time

WOW!! Words can't really express Youssou N'Dour and his backup singers/musicians at this event. We were blown away by the entire performance -- as was the sold out audience. The band and N'Dour never lost their energy and enthusiam throughout the night. They worked the crowd and the crowd adored them. Not 'dancing in the streets' but 'dancing in the aisles' was the theme of the night as the music brought most to their feet. Youssou strutted across the stage -- back and forth, back and forth -- so all got to see him. By Youssou introducing and featuring Tyrone Downie (of the famous Wailers) on a few reggae songs was an added and appreciated surprise. I would recommend that everyone try to see N'Dour perform 'live' at least once in their lifetime. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. He needs to perform in Washington, DC more often than he has. Lisner, please bring him back soon. Many Americans are not familiar with him and he needs more exposure in the U.S.

The first part of the 2 1/2-hour show (no encore) was pure reggae, surprisingly traditional. or mainstream if you like, with a 70's sound. Very pleasant, but not what he is really known for, or what the full house came for. The African part that followed was great at times, but there were also real lulls when not much was going on. This is real world music, fusing western and african influences, and worth supporting by people who want more diversity in the music currently offered.

Amazing performance, best concert I've been to in years. Venue was horrible though, too packed, should have been booked at a bigger theatre.