Bakithi Kumalo and the Four Peace Band, with Robbi K, Kumalo's wife, perform traditional and contemporary music from South Africa, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Godfrey Daniels, 7 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem.

On the heels of a performance at Carnegie Hall in October and before an upcoming tour with Paul Simon, this is a rare opportunity to see Kumalo up close and personal at the legendary Godfrey Daniels listening room in the heart of Bethlehem where the Kumalos reside.

Kumalo, born in the Soweto Township of Johannesburg, South Africa, is considered one of the most talented living bassists in the world today. He began playing bass at age 7, filling in for his uncle's bass player.

His performance on the fretless bass on Simon's "Graceland" (1986) album, and specifically "You Can Call Me Al" and "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes," is among the most recognizable bass parts of all time. Kumalo has toured with him ever since.

Kumalo, a Grammy winner, composer and vocalist, has also worked with Gloria Estefan, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Miriam Makeba, Grover Washington Jr., Laurie Anderson, Angelique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela, Chaka Khan, Mickey Hart, Joan Baez and Cyndi Lauper.

"People mostly know me as Paul Simon's bass player and now I also want to share my music and the culture of South Africa with everyone, along with celebrating the life of Nelson Mandela and the 20th anniversary of freedom. I'm honored to be a part of this community and perform in such an historic place as Godfrey Daniels," Kumalo says.

At Godfrey's, the musicians, in addition to performing, will talk about South Africa, including living in the time of apartheid, and about working with Paul Simon. The audience may hear Simon's songs, "You Can Call Me Al" and "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes," and have the chance to ask questions, plus meet and greet the musicians after the show.

The Four Peace band is a super group of South African and American musicians.

From Capetown, South Africa, is Morris Goldberg, who also played on "Graceland" and was touring with Belafonte when he met Kumalo.

Songwriter-composer David Bravo was born and raised in Capetown, and has worked with Belafonte, Debbie Harry, the late Bo Diddley and the late Jack Bruce (Cream).

Drummer Maciek Schejbal is from Poland and spent 10 years in South Africa, expanding his music interests and bringing his talents back to the United States as a teacher at the world-renowned Drummers Collective in New York City and performing with various jazz and African artists including James Hurt, Tony Cedras, and Masekela.

Robbi K has sung with Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Jewel, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Mary J. Blige and Belafonte. For 30 years, she's toured as an arts educator, jazz singer and songwriter. She sings in several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian and Zulu.

A 90-minute Master Class with Kumalo and friends is at 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at Godfrey Daniels. The workshop is an opportunity for musicians and others to participate and learn from the best. Space is limited. Workshop participants will be eligible to win a "U-Bass" from Kala Music, the company that makes the Bakithi Kumalo signature model.

Tickets: godfreydaniels.org, 610-867-2390