Baaba Maal + Playing for Change

Senegalese rocker Baaba Maal has been making more traditional-sounding albums of late, but returning to his roots hasn’t altered his approach to staging a thrilling modern-day show. Amid the guitarists, drummers and backing vocals that make up his group, the artist is often flanked by two male dancers who serve as what rappers might call hype men. When he periodically takes time out from singing to join the dancers, it becomes apparent that his reedy tenor isn’t his only gift. Opening is Playing for Change, an aggregate of ten musicians from around the globe. (You may have been among the 30 million people to watch their version of "Stand by Me" on YouTube.)