Healdsburg singer-songwriter Steve Pile, center, in Gambia where he recorded kora player Jali Bakary Konteh, right.

Blues and rock musician Steve Pile gets around. The Healdsburg High grad followed his love of music to Africa, to study the 21-string, guitar-like harp known as the kora.

In 2008, Pile recorded an album in Gambia with Kora teacher Jali Bakary Konteh, using solar panels to power his laptop.

Later this month, Pile is returning to Gambia to lay the groundwork for the Konteh Kunda School of Music. While there, Pile will film a documentary on Jali Bakary Konteh with filmmaker Jesse Wippert. Pile plans to return within the year to begin construction of the school.

Before he goes, Pile will stage two local fund-raisers for the project:

(1) Pile will perform with his band from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, March 4, at the Toad in the Hole, 116 Fifth St. Santa Rosa. (www.thetoadpub.com.)

(2) Pile will play solo from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Spoon Bar, 219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. (www.h2hotel.com/spoonbar.)

DJ Brian Taylor also is scheduled to appear at both shows.