World-renowned musician Kevin Spears will present a concert featuring modern kalimba music at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Columbus Library.

This event is free and open to the public.

Spears will also explain the history of the kalimba, and how it has influenced music around the world from jazz to Latin to Afro-Cuban. He will also bring several antique and artistic kalimbas from his private collection, including one previously owned by Alex Haley, the author of “Roots.”

Hailed as one of the best players alive today, Kevin Spears’ ability on an electric version of the traditional African instrument called kalimba is often compared to music legends such as Herbie Hancock, Jimi Hendrix, Bobby McFerrin and Les Paul, event organizers said. Benoit Glazer, the musical director at Cirque du Soleil, said “Kevin Spears puts on a performance full of groove, sound, and intimacy that draws you into his unique yet universal world.”

Polk County Public Libraries has two libraries, Columbus Library and Saluda Library, as well as outreach services. PCPL offers books, movies, music, audiobooks and downloadable eBooks and audiobooks, as well as public computers and wireless internet access. PCPL offers regularly scheduled programs for people of all ages. To learn more, people may visit polklibrary.org.

– Submitted by Jen Dickenson