Tinariwen doesn’t have the usual bio of an artist performing at House of Blues. Hailing from the Sahara Desert in northern Mali, the 32-year-old band performs in a style heavy on guitar and hand percussion that’s popular with the Tuareg people who populate the North African desert. International writers trying to describe the music often call it “desert blues”.

In August, Tinariwen released a new album, Tassili, on Anti- Records (home to Galactic). The Dirty Dozen Brass Band guests on one of the album’s tracks, “Ya Messinagh”. Currently on tour supporting the album, Tinariwen came to New Orleans for a concert at House of Blues on Monday, November 7.

All photos were taken by Kate Gegenheimer.

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