|
contents | world | |||||||||||||
| Akron-Based Druk Fusion Band Plays Nepali Bhutanese Music in Kent Kent's Standing Rock Cultural Arts reaches deep into the remote Himalayas for the next edition of their "Around the world" music series. The Druk Fusion Band makes their first-ever Kent appearance to perform music from their native Bhutan, located in South Asia between China and India, while bringing in other global influences. The band was formed in 2014 by vocalist/guitarist Puspa Gajmer who came to the U.S. in 2011 after two decades in a Nepali refugee camp. (Although the press release says that Bhutan is "reputed to be the happiest country on earth, " tens of thousands of Nepali Bhutanese have been displaced by ethnic strife and there are many Bhutanese refugees in northeast Ohio). He eventually landed in Akron's North Hill neighborhood, where he formed the band with five other musicians from his native region and formed the Himalayan Music Academy. The ensemble uses a variety of modern and traditional instruments including electric guitar, bamboo flue, table and madal drums, and harmonium to perform its music in the Nepali language. For those unfamiliar with it — i.e. most of us — Gajmer will provide introductions and tells the stories behind the songs. Prior to the concert at 7:30pm, there's a meet-and-greet with free snacks, including momo, traditional Bhutanese dumplings; a cash bar will also be available. It takes place at Standing Rock's North Water Street Gallery in downtown Kent. It's a $10 suggested donation, or pay what you can. Sat 12/10 @ 8PM write your comments about the article :: © 2016 Jazz News :: home page |