Wednesday Folk Traditons
Summer 2012
Performances are held Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm in the Sunken Garden. Admission is $10, $2 for children 16 and under. Season tickets available at the door. Picnickers are welcome on the museum grounds beginning at 5:00 prior to the concert. The museum with its grounds is a smoke-free site.
Wednesday Folk Traditions is funded, in part, by grants from the Marion I. and Otto C. Kohler Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies, the Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency; and with generous support from many local businesses.
Please support our sponsors
June 6
The Art Steele Blues Band- A staple on the New England scene, performing quintessential American music: “When we play we want to sweep people into our framework, paint a picture in their head and a feeling in their heart.”
“Blues is like religion for Steele ...
he has carried the mantle with fervor and zeal.”
– Donnie Moorehous, Blueswire magazine
press release
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June 13
Tríne Chéile with Rosemary Caine -
Tríne Chéile, Gaelic for cheerful disorder, play an eclectic Celtic mix of chestnuts, including songs of those “Wilde Irish Women” inspired by local Irish harpist and songster Rosie Caine and performed by a stunning quintet of Valley artists.
press release
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June 20
Viva Quetzal -
World/Afro-Andean/Latin/Jazz Fusion. An astonishing array of instruments and folkloric themes that links the rain forests of Central and South America, the carnivals of Brazil, the high plateaus of the Andes, and the urban barrios of Latin America, and the United States.
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“More than eclectic or rhythmic, it’s spiritual, it’s all cultures existing as one. That’s universal music!”
Rafael Charres, Cashbox Magazine (NYC)
press release
June 27
Gokh-Bi System- African hip hop ambassadors from Dakar, Senegal perform music that is both ancient and contemporary. They combine traditional drums with the forgotten ekonting, a beautiful and haunting string instrument from southern Senegal, adding unique four and five language rhythm-poetry, village dance styles and urban hip storytelling.
“Hip hop takes a joyful, respectful place alongside traditionalism.”
The New York Times
press release
July 11
La Charanga Libre-
A new ensemble of Valley musicians perform the authentic Cuban popular music called Charanga, a style introduced in Cuba in 1940 that includes Son, Cha Cha, Son Montuno, and Guaguanco. Known in New York as Salsa. Cuba and Puerto Rico remain the driving force behind this beautiful music, dancing, and singing that emphasizes their true cultural spirit.
press release
July 18
31st Annual Horace Clarence Boyer Memorial Gospel Performance
The Total Praise Gospel Choir- Based at the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield, the twenty-voice choir performs a repertoire of contemporary and traditional gospel songs, including works by Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond.
press release
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July 25
Layaali Arabic Music Ensemble - Performs the traditional music of the Arab world preserving the rich legacy of Arabic culture through soulful vocals, haunting rhythms, hypnotic instrumental improvisations, and electrifying percussion.
“The music moves the soul and stirs the spirit. A combination of tradition, activism, and pride the beat of the musicians sends you to the Arab world and awakens your senses.”
Jeff Mendez, The Palestine Center, Washington, D.C..
press release
