This week's column is a very special one.

You see, world-renowned banjo player Bela Fleck will be coming to Maine Tuesday night -- not to do a concert with his Flecktones, but rather to introduce the documentary movie that chronicles his trip to Africa to uncover the roots of his chosen instrument.

Railroad Square Cinema will host the event with two screenings of this film with Fleck (and his banjo), explaining the story of his quest through Uganda, Tanzania, The Gambia and Mali and the musical meetings that resulted.

The CD, "Throw Down Your Heart: Tales from the Acoustic Planet Vol. 3," by Rounder Records, is 73 minutes long with 18 tracks that capture the hauntingly beautiful melodies and complex rhythms of Africa in a personal, intimate way with musicians and performers from each of the locations. It also features a 16-page booklet of photos and the history of each track.

Having interviewed Fleck many times over the years since he formed The Flecktones, I was very interested in this amazing Waterville experience. Just imagine, the opportunity to see a movie that was such a hit at this year's Lumina festival and to have it introduced by the man who is at the center of the project. Advance tickets for $7.50 are on sale at Railroad Square or at 873-4021. I don't know for sure, but I'm confident in predicting that this will be sold out, so call early.

Lucky Clark is a music journalist living in Sweden, Maine. He may be reached at lucky@megalink.net.