AppalAsia, an exciting trio that combines the influences from Appalachian and Asian music traditions, will perform at a fundraiser for the Asian Arts & Culture Center at Towson University’s South Campus Pavilion on Saturday, March 24, 2018, 6 – 9 p.m. Enjoy food and beverages inspired by both Asia and Appalachia, bid on unique silent auction items including a guzheng (Chinese zither), and support the Asian Arts & Culture Center. Tickets for the event ar $50 and can be purchased on-line at www.tutigertracks.com/AppalAsia.
The three musicians of AppalAsia – Mimi Jong, Jeff Berman, and Sue Powers – have created an evocative and ambitious performance language for dulcimer, erhu, banjo, and vocals that combines the influence of their folk-roots with original composition and inspired improvisation. The individual members of AppalAsia each have extensive histories of collaboration, performing, and recording with artists including Andy Statman, Tony Trischka, Pasang Dolma, Alash, Susan Mckeown, Karen Han, Robert Een, Min Xiao Fen, Samir Chatterjee, Linda Thompson, Osei Koranke, Devilish Merry, Arthur Russell and Huang Xiang, to name just a few.
“The unusual combination of instruments creates such a joyous feeling and combines sophisticated composition with brilliant playing in a way that makes it all seem effortless… Hearing the banjo played in new ways and the use of the traditional Chinese violin played with stunning virtuosity with Jeff Berman’s dulcimer was just what the world needs to hear. This wasn’t cross-over or fusion. This was great music making that needs no label.” -- David Amram, NERFA (Northeastern Regional Folk Alliance) 2015
The Asian Arts & Culture Center (AA&CC) at Towson University engages the university and surrounding communities in cross-cultural dialogue through a broad range of Asian artistic and cultural experiences. AA&CC programs increase understanding of the world’s diverse cultures, challenge stereotypes, strengthen cultural competency, and offer unique perspectives on creativity and the human experience. The AA&CC also offers opportunities for university students to learn practical skills needed for working in non-profit cultural institutions. AA&CC programs feature the arts and cultures of Asia as points of entry for exploring cultural complexity, examining interdisciplinary relationships, and inspiring civic action toward preserving and developing the world’s cultural heritage. They are designed to build bridges across diverse communities through engagement. AA&CC’s spring 2018 programs feature Asia’s Healing Arts exhibition; workshops in yoga, tai chi, meditation, and shiatsu; and Koto 360°, a performance exploring the versatility and transformations of Japanese music, featuring koto virtuoso Masayo Ishigure and shakuhachi master John Kaizan Neptune.
For more information, please contact the Asian Art & Culture Center at 410-704-2807 or visit www.towson.edu/asianarts.
DATE: February 27, 2018
CONTACT: Joanna Pecore or Nerissa Paglinauan
Telephone: 410-704-2807
Email: [email protected]
