About the Artists
Beauty & Melody from China
The captivating music of Beauty and Melody, an all-female ensemble from China’s Sichuan Province, will take you on a journey—from ancient Chinese dynasties to the hip and contemporary culture of today. Their instruments, costumes, songs, and personalities merge to charm you with their unique performance worthy of their name. Having toured the world—including performing at the United Nations in 2005—Beauty and Melody now bring their music to the Midwest.
The Israeli Ethnic Ensemble from Israel
The Israeli Ethnic Ensemble brings the cultural mosaic of Israel alive, in your community! Savor their melodic mixture of Eastern European, Balkan, gypsy, Sephardic, and Yemenite influences, ranging from rollicking and joyous to moving and mournful. Always vibrant, always passionate, the Israeli Ethnic Ensemble performs from the heart—and will touch yours. Experience the music and mystery of Israel.
Agatsuma from Japan
Experience the ancient Japanese art of Tsugaru-Shamisen brought to life by a master: Agatsuma. Marvel as he infuses the traditional sound of the long-necked, three-stringed shamisen with contemporary musical influences of blues, rock, dance music, folk, flamenco, and funk. Agatsuma’s music brings people together, fusing different cultures, different centuries, and different musical traditions. Agatsuma and the shamisen: a magical, musical bridge not to be missed.
Mauvais Sort from Québec, Canada
Accordion, violin, guitar, bass, mandolin, drums, percussion, feet, and voice come together in energetic fashion in the French Canadian ensemble, Mauvais Sort. The group combines talent and enthusiasm with a love for music to capture the hearts of its audience with their accessible music. Blending bygone tunes with contemporary melodies, legends of yesteryear with anecdotes of their own making, Mauvais Sort delivers the global to the local.
