Flushing Town Hall, a Smithsonian Affiliate, has announced the return of its popular world music series, the Global Mashups, after a hiatus of three years. This year’s event is set to feature a total of three captivating mashups throughout May, including Global Mashup: Colombia Meets Klezmer on May 6, Global Mashup: Ireland Meets Mexico on May 19, and Mini-Global Mashup: Stride Piano Meets Guinea on May 21. Additionally, a new Global Mashup concert will follow each month throughout the summer, ensuring that music enthusiasts will have a full season of exhilarating entertainment.
The Global Mashup series is renowned for showcasing a diverse array of bands each month, providing a fusion of musical styles from different countries or cultures. Prior to each set, audiences are treated to dance lessons from each band, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the music. During the performance, both ensembles take turns playing a set that features traditional music from their respective regions, followed by a collaborative and spontaneous third set, which never fails to captivate and delight audiences.
Given the popularity of the series before the pandemic, the organizers encourage interested attendees to purchase their tickets soon, and to come ready to groove on the Flushing Town Hall dance floor, which is now open once again.
Ellen Kodadek, Flushing Town Hall Executive & Artistic Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the series’ return: “It has been a long-awaited moment, but we are delighted to finally welcome back the Global Mashups to our stage. As the most diverse borough in the world, Queens is an ideal location for great global music, and we are thrilled to be a leading destination for music lovers.”
Global Mashup #1: Colombia Meets Klezmer (Saturday, May 6)
The first concert of the Global Mashup series is Colombia Meets Klezmer on May 6, featuring the Cumbia River Band and Di Shikere Kapelye. Cumbia River Band plays traditional and contemporary Colombian Cumbia and Riverside music, while Di Shikere Kapelye performs high-energy Eastern European party music. The group comprises well known klezmer artists Frank London, Michael Winograd, Ron Caswell, Ilya Shneyveys, and Aaron Alexander, and has collaborated with various artists and toured internationally.
To purchase tickets, visit: www.flushingtownhall.org/global-mashup-may-6
Global Mashup #2: Ireland Meets Mexico (Friday, May 19)
Global Mashup #2, Ireland Meets Mexico, will feature Cillian Vallely and Jarana Beat. Vallely plays the uilleann pipes and low whistle with the Irish band Lunasa and has collaborated with various artists, including Bruce Springsteen and Riverdance. Jarana Beat is a 10-piece band that combines Mexican folk and Afro-Amerindian musical traditions with percussive footwork from various styles, creating a spirited cross-cultural sound. Led by Sinuhé Padilla-Isunza, the band features professional performers from Mexico collaborating with artists from around the world.
To purchase tickets, www.flushingtownhall.org/ireland-meets-mexico
Mini Global Mashup: Stride Piano Meets Guinea (Sunday, May 21)
Stride Piano Meets Guinea features jazz pianist Anthony Coleman and balafonist Famoro Dioubaté. Coleman is a composer, improvising keyboardist, and teacher with a musical background spanning different cultures, while Dioubaté is recognized as one of West Africa’s most talented and graceful balafonists. The concert combines Coleman’s stride piano and Dioubaté’s balafon for a unique sound, showcasing the traditional music of Guinea and jazz improvisation.
To purchase tickets, www.flushingtownhall.org/stride-piano-meets-guinea
For more information:
www.flushingtownhall.org
(718) 463-7700 x222
137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central