Gina Ferrera maybe an Italian-American girl from dirty Jerz, but her heart lies somewhere in the warm climates of West Africa. She specializes in a tonal percussive instrument called a gyil – pronounced jeel – an acoustic, wooden mallet instrument in the xylophone family that originated from the tri-border region of Ghana, Burkina Faso and Cote D’Ivoire, where Ferrera traveled to learn from gyil masters Kakraba Lobi and Bernard Woma. She’s brought her knowledge and rhythms back to Philly where she’s recorded her latest album on Rope A Dope, titled Gina Ferrera & The Philadelphia Gyil Fusion Project – imagine a more organic, primal sounding Imogen Heap. Come to MarBar tonight for her CD Release Party with her all-star local lineup of special guests if you are in the mood for a little soul cleansing! MarBar, 200 S. 40th St., 9pm, $5, 21+ myspace.com/ginaferrera – Q.D. Tran