2022 - 2023 Concert for Kids
|
"50 years of Hip-Hop" by Pinqy Ring and Yuri Lane - Spring 2023
PINQY RING There's a saying in Spanish that gets ingrained into little girls' heads during their most formative years - "Calladita te ves más bonita." You look prettier when you're quiet. For most of her young life, Pinqy kept her head down and tried to stay in line and out of the way. When she fell in love with Hip Hop, her world opened to stories of resilience and strength that carried her through her darkest moments. After a car accident that left her in a coma, she realized that sharing her story was not only important - it was paramount. Pinqy became the innovator of her own destiny that allowed her to survive when society just wanted her to be quiet. She now raps her own legacy loudly into place, and creates pathways for others to do the same. By accepting, accentuating and amplifying her own voice, Pinqy Ring represents for her city and cultura in every word she rhymes. Sticking to her Hip Hop dreams, Pinqy has been able to proudly pen her story of survival and disseminate it across the diaspora. She self-orchestrated her first U.S. tour in 2017, traveling to 8 cities for performances plus youth workshops sponsored by the City of Chicago. She has represented for rap on international stages, including Belgium, Morocco, Spain, Cuba, Thailand and Vietnam. Pinqy proudly serves as a Hip Hop Cultural Ambassador for the United States, traveling to Cambodia, Nepal and Argentina with the State Department to facilitate and oversee cultural diplomacy programming. She became an author in 2020, penning her story for the second volume of Today’s Inspired Young Latina. Pinqy also plays the lead in Chicago Fringe Opera’s “The Rosina Project”, a Hip Hop iteration of the famed opera The Barber of Seville. Outside of music, Pinqy has been a mentor to many dreamers such as herself, teaching Hip Hop, songwriting, music entrepreneurship and mental wellness for over a decade. Collaborating with organizations and corporations such as the Universal Hip Hop Museum, Kennedy Center, The Aspen Institute, Google, Spotify and more - she also provides culturally competent creative consulting for organizations looking to engage youth or explore the power of Hip Hop as a transformative tool. In 2019, Pinqy was one of twenty women selected by Vital Voices and TRESemmè for their inaugural Women's Leadership Incubator in New York. As of 2020, Pinqy sits on the Chicago Board of Women In Music. She also facilitates speaking engagements and workshops at several schools, nonprofits and Universities - including Harvard in 2022 - nationwide. Through her workshops and talks, Pinqy spreads her message of hope, perseverance and self-worth to youth across the diaspora. With a purpose and passion that blinds, Pinqy Ring shines bright with the determination to share her story while encouraging others to find their truth, live in it unapologetically, and tell it authentically. Hip Hop has taken her from the 'hood to Harvard, and she is a Chicago-Rican rapper - loud and proud - who will never be "calladita" again. YURI LANE Yuri Lane is an actor, beatboxer, harmonica player, teaching artist and lecturer on the history of vocal arts. Yuri Lane has been a teaching artist for over 25 years, teaching beatbox, Hip Hop theater, and improvisation. He has mentored students of all ages with a passion for taking beatbox to a professional level. Yuri has performed across the diaspora, bringing the universal language of beatbox to people all over the world. Mr. Lane has over 25 million views on YouTube for his ability to play harmonica and beatbox at the same time. His viral beatbox harmonica videos have inspired a new generation of harmonica players who beatbox and play the harp, respectively, allowing them to take a journey into experimenting with both instruments together. Yuri grew up beatboxing and breakdancing at his local Boys and Girls Club in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. He began his acting career at the age of eleven in his hometown where he performed frequently with A.C.T., Berkeley Rep, and the Magic Theatre. Television appearances include Nash Bridges and Party of Five, as well as TV movies and commercials. Yuri has appeared in theater festivals, including the 1st ever Hip-Hop Theatre Festival with Sarah Jones, and performed at the Apollo with DJ Spooky. When his beatbox harmonica video went viral, it opened opportunities and provided platforms for him to share his unique talent and celebrate Hip Hop worldwide. Yuri toured the U.S., Europe and Middle East with his internationally acclaimed solo shows ‘’From Tel Aviv to Ramallah: A Beatbox Journey” and “Soundtrack City.” He played at Google parties across the globe, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, and performed his beatbox harmonica skills on the Steve Harvey Show, America’s Got Talent, and music festivals in France, U.K., Helsinki, Rome and Tel Aviv. He folded these experiences into “MeTube,” a multi-platform show where he brings the YouTube comment section to life and speaks about going viral, the commodification of self as well as the dangers of ego. Yuri Lane has been collaborating with Hip Hop artists, graffiti writers, live bands, poets, break dancers, orchestras, composers, theaters and Universities for 25 years. One of his highlights was performing at the Chicago Bulls halftime show for 20 thousand fans. An advocate for eating ethically, Yuri is also a vegan chef who creates culinary content while beatboxing on several social media platforms. He hopes to spread the gospel of beatbox to the world, a universal language that everyone can understand and all you need to bring to the table is your imagination. |
|
Gaudete Brass Quintet - Fall 2022 The Gaudete Brass is made up of five musicians who believe strongly in the expressive and communicative power of brass chamber music. Since 2004 the quintet has engaged in creatively expanding the brass quintet repertoire, developing unique programs that have resonated with chamber music audiences all over the country. The group has engaged in live performances at venues such as Symphony Space and Merkin Hall in New York City and Millennium Park in Chicago, commissioned new works from noted composers such as Stacy Garrop, David Sampson, Jonathan Newman, Kile Smith, John Mackey, and Alice Jones, and appeared on radio broadcasts on WFMT in Chicago, WQXR in New York, and Nashville Public Radio. In the 2020-2021 season Gaudete received a grant from Chamber Music America for a series of online concerts broadcast live from our homes using the open source software Jacktrip. Gaudete has also presented educational programs and concerts at prominent institutions including The Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music, community outreach concerts for the Quad City Arts and the Virginia Arts Festival, and has enjoyed multi-year ensemble-in-residence positions at Carthage College and Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. While keeping this rigorous performance schedule, Gaudete has recorded four albums: Brass Outings (2006), winner of the CDBaby Editors’ Choice distinction and nominee for Just Plain Folks Best Classical Chamber Album; Conversations in Time with organist R. Benjamin Dobey (2011, Pro Organa); Chicago Moves, produced by Grammy winner Judith Sherman and featuring several of its commissioned works (2012, Cedille Records) and sevenfive (2017, Cedille Records) featuring five new works commissioned for Chicago’s John Corigliano 75th birthday festival. Gaudete (gow-day-tay) is a form of the Latin word for “Joy.” We support the idea that chamber music, even (and perhaps especially) the serious kind, can powerfully communicate both the poignant and the exuberant. |
2019-2020 Concerts for Kids
|
Omar Coleman Blues Band - Fall 2019
Omar Coleman is a blues singer and harmonica player from Chicago’s West Side. He has performed in Chicago blues festivals, clubs, and concerts around the world since 2003. Since deciding to fully pursue a career in music in 2010, Omar Coleman has impressively recorded 3 full albums, performed 30 overseas dates in 12 countries, and performed as featured vocalist for more than 10 professional touring bands. Omar has the personality, sound, and passion of the late greats Junior Wells and James Brown and hopes to reach similar acclaim with his own career. Omar has established himself as one of the nation's premier harmonica players and blues vocalists alive today, billed on festivals with legends like Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Ruth Brown, and Robert Randolph. With a voice soulful beyond his years, Omar has been impressing audiences across the nation with his genuine, seasoned harmonica skills and vocals. Omar is known to interact directly with his audience, befriending an entire audience. The Omar Coleman Blues Band features Omar playing in a trio, accompanied by Harlan Lee Terson on bass and Tom Holland on Guitar. |
2018-2019 Concerts for Kids
|
Ensemble Dal Niente - Spring 2019
Especially created for the 29 EISMA school performances, Ensemble Dal Niente's woodwind trio presented a 45 minute program entitled Palettes, featuring flutists Emma Hospelhorn and Constance Volk, oboist Andy Nogal, and clarinetist Katie Schoepflin. In this varied program, each instrument was introduced with a solo work and then blended with others in wildly different sonic palettes that alternately sing, squeak, and “pluck”, with sounds that ranged from the delicate to the bombastic. Much of the repertoire was premiered by these performers, who curate programs that feature the full palette of sounds available to contemporary woodwind players, from kaleidoscopic scales, to ethereal trills, to jazzy pizzicatos. |
|
Saraswathi Ranganathan - Fall 2018
Saraswathi Ranganathan is a South Indian Veena artist who performed with two special guest musicians that travelled to Evanston all the way from India specifically to perform in these EISMA concerts:
Indranil Mallick – North Indian Tabla (traveled from Kolkata, India)
V.S. Raghavan Srinivasan – South Indian Mridangam (traveled from Chennai, India)
Saraswathi Ranganathan is a South Indian Veena artist who performed with two special guest musicians that travelled to Evanston all the way from India specifically to perform in these EISMA concerts:
Indranil Mallick – North Indian Tabla (traveled from Kolkata, India)
V.S. Raghavan Srinivasan – South Indian Mridangam (traveled from Chennai, India)
2017-2018 Concerts for Kids
Funkadesi Percussion Ensemble - Spring 2018
Funkadesi blends Indian music — bhangra, Bollywood, Indian folk — with reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean grooves. They draw musical influences from all over the world: Jamaica, The Caribbean, India and West Africa.
The band hails from Chicago, proudly representing the diverse multi-ethnic communities within the city.
Funkadesi blends Indian music — bhangra, Bollywood, Indian folk — with reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean grooves. They draw musical influences from all over the world: Jamaica, The Caribbean, India and West Africa.
The band hails from Chicago, proudly representing the diverse multi-ethnic communities within the city.
Son Monarcas - Fall 2017
Son Monarcas is a Chicago-based ensemble comprised of musicians who specialize in the Afro-Mestizo genres of Mexican folk music. They blend traditional styles with original arrangements, and take the audience on a musical and historical exploration of Mexico.
"Son" is Spanish for "sound," but also refers to songs and music. "Monarcas" is Spanish for "monarchs," as in Monarch Butterflies.
Son Monarcas is a Chicago-based ensemble comprised of musicians who specialize in the Afro-Mestizo genres of Mexican folk music. They blend traditional styles with original arrangements, and take the audience on a musical and historical exploration of Mexico.
"Son" is Spanish for "sound," but also refers to songs and music. "Monarcas" is Spanish for "monarchs," as in Monarch Butterflies.
2016-2017 Concerts for Kids
Turath Ensemble - Spring 2017
Turath Ensemble is a musical collective that performs folk music of Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Turath is the Arabic word for tradition or heritage. The group showcases songs, poetry, dance, and instruments from the Levantine region including the oud (Middle Eastern lute), shibaba (shepherd’s flute), and percussion.
Audiences will learn about dabke, the folkloric dance of the Levantine region, as well as the music and meaning behind the songs that accompany the dance. Members of the ensemble are teaching artists who regularly perform and have conducted workshops and artist residencies for many occasions including DePaul University’s Arabic Language Conference, the University of Chicago STARTALK Arabic language program, the Old Town School of Folk Music, University of Chicago Spring Fest, the MCA, and many benefit concerts for children and refugees of the Middle East.
Turath Ensemble is a musical collective that performs folk music of Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. Turath is the Arabic word for tradition or heritage. The group showcases songs, poetry, dance, and instruments from the Levantine region including the oud (Middle Eastern lute), shibaba (shepherd’s flute), and percussion.
Audiences will learn about dabke, the folkloric dance of the Levantine region, as well as the music and meaning behind the songs that accompany the dance. Members of the ensemble are teaching artists who regularly perform and have conducted workshops and artist residencies for many occasions including DePaul University’s Arabic Language Conference, the University of Chicago STARTALK Arabic language program, the Old Town School of Folk Music, University of Chicago Spring Fest, the MCA, and many benefit concerts for children and refugees of the Middle East.
Kontras Quartet - Fall 2016
Kontras Quartet presents an engaging program of Haydn, Mozart, Debussy, Schulhoff, and more, with an emphasis on music’s connection to story.
“Although music is an art that can be appreciated purely on its own,” Kontras notes, “the impact it makes increases when we remember the stories that surround it: how the composers lived, what emotional content lives in the sound of the music, and what it means to us when we hear it. Some music has a specific story it depicts; some music does not but still has a ‘mood,’ it still makes the listener feel a certain way. This program explores both kinds of music (Absolute and Programmatic), and puts the music into the context of the composers lives through the sharing of their stories. It also invites the audience to imagine stories of their own as they listen to the music and get in touch with how it makes them feel."
Kontras Quartet currently has teaching residencies at Western Michigan University, Elmhurst College, and Chicago's New Music School. Passionate about music education and outreach, Kontras has made a major impact on students of all ages, presenting over two hundred innovative, interactive educational performances, reaching over 40,000 children.
Kontras Quartet presents an engaging program of Haydn, Mozart, Debussy, Schulhoff, and more, with an emphasis on music’s connection to story.
“Although music is an art that can be appreciated purely on its own,” Kontras notes, “the impact it makes increases when we remember the stories that surround it: how the composers lived, what emotional content lives in the sound of the music, and what it means to us when we hear it. Some music has a specific story it depicts; some music does not but still has a ‘mood,’ it still makes the listener feel a certain way. This program explores both kinds of music (Absolute and Programmatic), and puts the music into the context of the composers lives through the sharing of their stories. It also invites the audience to imagine stories of their own as they listen to the music and get in touch with how it makes them feel."
Kontras Quartet currently has teaching residencies at Western Michigan University, Elmhurst College, and Chicago's New Music School. Passionate about music education and outreach, Kontras has made a major impact on students of all ages, presenting over two hundred innovative, interactive educational performances, reaching over 40,000 children.
2015-2016 Concerts For Kids
The 2015-2016 Concerts for Kids season was dedicated to the memory of Michael Reiniger, District 65 music educator.
Orquestra de Samba with Luciano Antonio and special guest Yaasha Abraham - Spring 2016
From the driving percussive beat of Samba, to the subtle expressionism of Bossa Nova, to the sophistication of the music of Villa-Lobos, Orquestra de Samba provides audiences of all ages with an unforgettable glimpse into Brazilian culture. The Orquestra is a collaboration of Chicago-area musicians with classical, jazz, and Latin backgrounds that come together to explore the depth, beauty, and power of Brazilian music. EISMA’s concerts will feature Luciano Antonio (guitar and singer; leader), Raphael Crawford (trombone and percussion), and Victor Garcia (trumpet and percussion).
From the driving percussive beat of Samba, to the subtle expressionism of Bossa Nova, to the sophistication of the music of Villa-Lobos, Orquestra de Samba provides audiences of all ages with an unforgettable glimpse into Brazilian culture. The Orquestra is a collaboration of Chicago-area musicians with classical, jazz, and Latin backgrounds that come together to explore the depth, beauty, and power of Brazilian music. EISMA’s concerts will feature Luciano Antonio (guitar and singer; leader), Raphael Crawford (trombone and percussion), and Victor Garcia (trumpet and percussion).
Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole - Fall 2015
Fingers and bow flying, Dennis Stroughmatt takes listeners on a musical odyssey not so different from his own musical journeys into Upper Louisiana Creole culture. Taught to play fiddle by local Creole fiddlers living along the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Dennis is now the authority on this regional pocket of American antiquity. A vibrant blend of Celtic, Canadian and Old Time sounds, this unique music bridges gaps between contemporary Canadian and Louisiana Cajun styles. Preserved by families in the Ozark foothills, the music remains largely intact and true to the traditions that have been passed down over three centuries.
Dennis performs with Jim Willgoose (upright bass/vocals), a long-time musician with a PhD in philosophy and former touring member of the band NRBQ. Jim currently teaches at the Kaskaskia Community College in Centralia, IL. Doug Hawr (guitar/vocals), from southeastern Illinois near the Wabash River, runs his music store and teaches music. He performs with his family bluegrass band as well as with the Vincennes University string ensemble.
Fingers and bow flying, Dennis Stroughmatt takes listeners on a musical odyssey not so different from his own musical journeys into Upper Louisiana Creole culture. Taught to play fiddle by local Creole fiddlers living along the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Dennis is now the authority on this regional pocket of American antiquity. A vibrant blend of Celtic, Canadian and Old Time sounds, this unique music bridges gaps between contemporary Canadian and Louisiana Cajun styles. Preserved by families in the Ozark foothills, the music remains largely intact and true to the traditions that have been passed down over three centuries.
Dennis performs with Jim Willgoose (upright bass/vocals), a long-time musician with a PhD in philosophy and former touring member of the band NRBQ. Jim currently teaches at the Kaskaskia Community College in Centralia, IL. Doug Hawr (guitar/vocals), from southeastern Illinois near the Wabash River, runs his music store and teaches music. He performs with his family bluegrass band as well as with the Vincennes University string ensemble.
2014-2015 Concerts for Kids
Diane Delin - Spring 2015
Diane Delin is a Chicago-based jazz violinist, composer, educator and producer. The Downbeat Critics Poll has placed her in the “Rising Star” category four times, and the Los Angeles Times remarks, “Delin produces improvisations of considerable style and unmistakable integrity.” Neil Tesser writes that she “can light a real fire under a band and an audience.” Diane tours in the US and Europe with her groups. She has also played and toured with other groups, including the Frank Sinatra Orchestra. Her participatory educational program, “Jazz Talk,” has been presented to thousands of students. She is also String Coordinator at Columbia College Chicago, where she is an instructor of classical, jazz, pop and folk lessons and ensembles. She has five solo albums. Her most recent reached #5 on the national jazz radio charts.
Diane was kind enough to perform with Howard Levy at the EISMA 2014 Fall Fundraiser, which was supported by many Evanston families.
Diane Delin is a Chicago-based jazz violinist, composer, educator and producer. The Downbeat Critics Poll has placed her in the “Rising Star” category four times, and the Los Angeles Times remarks, “Delin produces improvisations of considerable style and unmistakable integrity.” Neil Tesser writes that she “can light a real fire under a band and an audience.” Diane tours in the US and Europe with her groups. She has also played and toured with other groups, including the Frank Sinatra Orchestra. Her participatory educational program, “Jazz Talk,” has been presented to thousands of students. She is also String Coordinator at Columbia College Chicago, where she is an instructor of classical, jazz, pop and folk lessons and ensembles. She has five solo albums. Her most recent reached #5 on the national jazz radio charts.
Diane was kind enough to perform with Howard Levy at the EISMA 2014 Fall Fundraiser, which was supported by many Evanston families.
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band - Fall 2014
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band plays klezmer, which is a combination of traditional, Eastern European music, and American jazz as played by early immigrant musicians. During their EISMA tour, the band demonstrated the klezmer style to over 8,000 students and staff. Maxwell Street introduced their style and instruments through rhythm and participation songs, with a view toward promoting the uniqueness of each child's own cultural heritage and traditions. Students especially enjoyed watching their teachers learn to dance a hora!
The band has performed on stages throughout the United States and Europe. They have appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and appear regularly on NPR, PBS, and WFMT. In 2013, the band had two sold-out 30th Anniversary concerts at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and were featured in 2014 in the debut of "Klezmer Rhapsody" with Chicago Sinfonietta at Symphony Center in Chicago. The band has recorded five CDs and published a band book/CD for grass roots musicians called "The Joy of Klez."
Maxwell Street Klezmer Band plays klezmer, which is a combination of traditional, Eastern European music, and American jazz as played by early immigrant musicians. During their EISMA tour, the band demonstrated the klezmer style to over 8,000 students and staff. Maxwell Street introduced their style and instruments through rhythm and participation songs, with a view toward promoting the uniqueness of each child's own cultural heritage and traditions. Students especially enjoyed watching their teachers learn to dance a hora!
The band has performed on stages throughout the United States and Europe. They have appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and appear regularly on NPR, PBS, and WFMT. In 2013, the band had two sold-out 30th Anniversary concerts at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and were featured in 2014 in the debut of "Klezmer Rhapsody" with Chicago Sinfonietta at Symphony Center in Chicago. The band has recorded five CDs and published a band book/CD for grass roots musicians called "The Joy of Klez."
2013-2014 Concerts For Kids
Reginald R. Robinson - Spring 2014
Reginald Robinson returned to Evanston to perform for an entirely new population of students. Robinson first dazzled Evanston students during a 2002 EISMA concert series. In the years since then, he has been awarded the MacArthur “Genius” Award and most recently performed on the historic Pullman Rail Journey between Chicago and New Orleans. For this year’s series, a projection system was utilized to magnify Robinson’s hands and keyboard while he played so every student had the best seat in the house.
As a child, Robinson was inspired by a group of jazz musicians who performed at his school in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. He told students that he began playing and composing his own music at age 14, at first using only two fingers on a toy keyboard. He later gained access (to a full keyboard and after three years was playing classic Scott Joplin tunes. Robinson says of the process, “It took time, and frustration, and persistence.” He explained to students the importance of practicing and staying true to your passions, even when those around you don’t understand. In response to Robinson, one student wrote, “You inspired me to play the piano because your music is incredible.”
With EISMA, Robinson also visited Curt’s Café, which is committed to hiring and training at-risk youth. As he dined, Robinson exchanged ideas with employees and encouraged them in their own musical pursuits. He then gave an impromptu performance for staff and customers and spoke of ragtime’s history. “I could talk forever about Ragtime,” he commented, “I just love it.”
Reginald Robinson returned to Evanston to perform for an entirely new population of students. Robinson first dazzled Evanston students during a 2002 EISMA concert series. In the years since then, he has been awarded the MacArthur “Genius” Award and most recently performed on the historic Pullman Rail Journey between Chicago and New Orleans. For this year’s series, a projection system was utilized to magnify Robinson’s hands and keyboard while he played so every student had the best seat in the house.
As a child, Robinson was inspired by a group of jazz musicians who performed at his school in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. He told students that he began playing and composing his own music at age 14, at first using only two fingers on a toy keyboard. He later gained access (to a full keyboard and after three years was playing classic Scott Joplin tunes. Robinson says of the process, “It took time, and frustration, and persistence.” He explained to students the importance of practicing and staying true to your passions, even when those around you don’t understand. In response to Robinson, one student wrote, “You inspired me to play the piano because your music is incredible.”
With EISMA, Robinson also visited Curt’s Café, which is committed to hiring and training at-risk youth. As he dined, Robinson exchanged ideas with employees and encouraged them in their own musical pursuits. He then gave an impromptu performance for staff and customers and spoke of ragtime’s history. “I could talk forever about Ragtime,” he commented, “I just love it.”
Mathew Tembo Band - Fall 2013
Zambian musician Mathew Tembo brought his own brand of Afro-fusion to Evanston schools, blending indigenous Zambian music with contemporary sounds. In each show, Tembo demonstrated the different traditional instruments he used and explained how they were made. He also spoke about his creative process, citing influences such as Jamaican reggae and traditional Zambian folk songs.
Tembo was joined by Chicagoland musicians Brendan Forrest, electric bass, and Kalyan Pathak, percussion. One teacher was pleased to note that the performers took the time to explain their instruments and how they all fit together. Students eagerly participated by singing, clapping, and dancing—many students and teachers even danced in the aisles!
Afterwards, several students lingered to ask more questions and to request autographs. At one elementary school, Tembo and his bandmates were formally interviewed by students. Tembo said of the experience, “It was so cool! They were impressive, so prepared. They made us feel very important.”
Zambian musician Mathew Tembo brought his own brand of Afro-fusion to Evanston schools, blending indigenous Zambian music with contemporary sounds. In each show, Tembo demonstrated the different traditional instruments he used and explained how they were made. He also spoke about his creative process, citing influences such as Jamaican reggae and traditional Zambian folk songs.
Tembo was joined by Chicagoland musicians Brendan Forrest, electric bass, and Kalyan Pathak, percussion. One teacher was pleased to note that the performers took the time to explain their instruments and how they all fit together. Students eagerly participated by singing, clapping, and dancing—many students and teachers even danced in the aisles!
Afterwards, several students lingered to ask more questions and to request autographs. At one elementary school, Tembo and his bandmates were formally interviewed by students. Tembo said of the experience, “It was so cool! They were impressive, so prepared. They made us feel very important.”
2012-2013 Concerts For Kids
Lowdown Brass Band - Spring 2013
The Spring 2013 concert series featured the Lowdown Brass Band, a New Orleans-style, "Second Line" brass ensemble. The "Second Line" tradition includes a lively take on many different genres of music. Parades are common elements of the musical presentation, and students enjoyed the deep bass tones of the sousaphone player as he danced to the beat.
The Spring 2013 concert series featured the Lowdown Brass Band, a New Orleans-style, "Second Line" brass ensemble. The "Second Line" tradition includes a lively take on many different genres of music. Parades are common elements of the musical presentation, and students enjoyed the deep bass tones of the sousaphone player as he danced to the beat.
Toque Chicago - Fall 2012
EISMA kicked off 2012 with Toque Chicago, an ensemble dedicated to the history, philosophy, and influence of Afro-Cuban folkloric music. Afro-Cuban folkloric music, comprised of drumming, song, and dance, is a prime example of the influence of globalization on today's music: people and cultures of different places coming together and mixing to create something new. The philosophy behind the music encompasses a respect for the earth, self, and others. Aspects of this music sounded familiar to students, as its influences are styles and genres heard in many of today's popular artists.
Members of Toque Chicago have studied with some of the most well-known percussionists and other musicians, past and present. All have traveled to Cuba to study and have dedicated much of their time and energy to learning and respecting the customs and nuances of Afro-Cuban styles such as Bembe, Oru Secu, Oru Cantado, Guiro, and Guanguanco. During the Fall series, ensemble members explained these customs and demonstrated percussion instruments such as the Bata drums (lya, itotele, okonkolo), Chekere (guiro), and Tumbadores (conga).
EISMA kicked off 2012 with Toque Chicago, an ensemble dedicated to the history, philosophy, and influence of Afro-Cuban folkloric music. Afro-Cuban folkloric music, comprised of drumming, song, and dance, is a prime example of the influence of globalization on today's music: people and cultures of different places coming together and mixing to create something new. The philosophy behind the music encompasses a respect for the earth, self, and others. Aspects of this music sounded familiar to students, as its influences are styles and genres heard in many of today's popular artists.
Members of Toque Chicago have studied with some of the most well-known percussionists and other musicians, past and present. All have traveled to Cuba to study and have dedicated much of their time and energy to learning and respecting the customs and nuances of Afro-Cuban styles such as Bembe, Oru Secu, Oru Cantado, Guiro, and Guanguanco. During the Fall series, ensemble members explained these customs and demonstrated percussion instruments such as the Bata drums (lya, itotele, okonkolo), Chekere (guiro), and Tumbadores (conga).
2011-2012 Concerts For Kids
Tablao Flamenco with Chiara Mangiameli - Spring 2012
Flamenco music and dance was performed by singer and dancer Chiara Mangiameli, guitarist David Chiriboga, and singer Patricia Ortega.
A sought-after flamenco teacher, Chiara teaches workshops and gives educational presentations at institutions such as the Cervantes Institute, Columbia College, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. David currently plays with El Payo, Guitarra Azul, and the Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater. Patricia has performed with groups ranging from the Lyric Opera Children's Choir to the several original and cover bands, and also as a soloist and composer.
Flamenco music and dance was performed by singer and dancer Chiara Mangiameli, guitarist David Chiriboga, and singer Patricia Ortega.
A sought-after flamenco teacher, Chiara teaches workshops and gives educational presentations at institutions such as the Cervantes Institute, Columbia College, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. David currently plays with El Payo, Guitarra Azul, and the Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater. Patricia has performed with groups ranging from the Lyric Opera Children's Choir to the several original and cover bands, and also as a soloist and composer.
|
Ensemble Tangata - Fall 2011
Ensemble Tangata featured Mark Sonksen on bass, Victoria Moreria on violin, Hector Silva, bandonean, and Leandro Lopez Varady, piano. The ensemble performed tango music locally, nationally, and internationally at venues such as the Chicago International Tango Festival and Old Town School of Folk Music, and in shows Tango is my Shadow and Argentine Tango on Stage. |
|
|
2010-2011 Concerts For Kids
The Henhouse Prowlers - Spring 2011
The Henhouse Prowlers have been influenced by a diversity of musical traditions, including blues, barbershop, and Broadway tunes; church music and shape note singing; opera, old-time, classical, country, and folk music; and funk. The Henhouse Prowlers' performances focus on the early sounds of bluegrass music.
The Henhouse Prowlers compose and perform original music. They composed the soundtrack for a PBS documentary. They are a full-time traveling band and have performed all over the United States. The Henhouse Prowlers are recent winners of the Chicago Music Award for best Country/Western entertainer of the year. They feature fiddler Ryan Hinshaw, Eric Lambert on guitar and violin, five-string banjo picker Ben Wright, and upright bassist Jon Goldfine.
The Henhouse Prowlers have been influenced by a diversity of musical traditions, including blues, barbershop, and Broadway tunes; church music and shape note singing; opera, old-time, classical, country, and folk music; and funk. The Henhouse Prowlers' performances focus on the early sounds of bluegrass music.
The Henhouse Prowlers compose and perform original music. They composed the soundtrack for a PBS documentary. They are a full-time traveling band and have performed all over the United States. The Henhouse Prowlers are recent winners of the Chicago Music Award for best Country/Western entertainer of the year. They feature fiddler Ryan Hinshaw, Eric Lambert on guitar and violin, five-string banjo picker Ben Wright, and upright bassist Jon Goldfine.
Ac•Rock - Fall 2010
The music of Ac•Rock is a cappella rock ‘n roll. Ac•Rock's Evanston performances included a discussion of the evolution of singing, a cappella, and basic musical concepts. Ac•Rock got each audience involved, singing and clapping along, as they performed a musical overview of rock 'n roll from the ’50’s to the ’90’s, from boys choirs to rap. Ac•Rock’s all male quartet included Paul Iams (tenor), Gary DeVar (tenor), Chris Brown (baritone), and Mark MacLean (bass).
Ac•Rock has performed for the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, and Bulls. They have appeared on the WGN Morning News, Chicago radio stations, and at schools all over the Chicago area. They’ve opened for comedians Martin Short, Wayne Brady, the late Bernie Mac, and Senator Al Franken. They have sung all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The music of Ac•Rock is a cappella rock ‘n roll. Ac•Rock's Evanston performances included a discussion of the evolution of singing, a cappella, and basic musical concepts. Ac•Rock got each audience involved, singing and clapping along, as they performed a musical overview of rock 'n roll from the ’50’s to the ’90’s, from boys choirs to rap. Ac•Rock’s all male quartet included Paul Iams (tenor), Gary DeVar (tenor), Chris Brown (baritone), and Mark MacLean (bass).
Ac•Rock has performed for the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, and Bulls. They have appeared on the WGN Morning News, Chicago radio stations, and at schools all over the Chicago area. They’ve opened for comedians Martin Short, Wayne Brady, the late Bernie Mac, and Senator Al Franken. They have sung all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
2009-2010 Concerts For Kids
Occidental Brothers Dance Band International - Spring 2010
The music of the Occidental Brothers Dance Band International features classic Central and West African dance music --Soukous, Highlife, Rumba, and Dry Guitar. Bandleader and guitarist Nathaniel Braddock teaches African guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. The OBDBI has performed at the Chicago World Music Festival, Folk and Roots Festival, Bucktown Arts Festival, and several venues around Chicago.
After an Evanston school performance, one elementary school teacher said, "The kids really enjoyed the music. My students were very excited to discuss what they had learned!"
The music of the Occidental Brothers Dance Band International features classic Central and West African dance music --Soukous, Highlife, Rumba, and Dry Guitar. Bandleader and guitarist Nathaniel Braddock teaches African guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. The OBDBI has performed at the Chicago World Music Festival, Folk and Roots Festival, Bucktown Arts Festival, and several venues around Chicago.
After an Evanston school performance, one elementary school teacher said, "The kids really enjoyed the music. My students were very excited to discuss what they had learned!"
Lamajamal - Fall 2009
Lamajamal is influenced by the music of Turkey, the Balkans, North Africa, and the Middle East as well as the '60s "surf" sound. Lamajamal has performed widely throughout Chicago, at venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Children's Museum, Greek Archdiocese, and World Music Fest.
"Thank you for playing at our school," said an Evanston elementary school student. "I don't think I've ever heard music like that. I liked the clarinet because I play it, and maybe I can learn how to play like that."
Lamajamal is influenced by the music of Turkey, the Balkans, North Africa, and the Middle East as well as the '60s "surf" sound. Lamajamal has performed widely throughout Chicago, at venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Children's Museum, Greek Archdiocese, and World Music Fest.
"Thank you for playing at our school," said an Evanston elementary school student. "I don't think I've ever heard music like that. I liked the clarinet because I play it, and maybe I can learn how to play like that."
Past Concerts
|
2008-2009
2007-2008 2006-2007 2005-2006 2004-2005 2003-2004 2002-2003 2001-2002 2000-2001 1999-2000 1998-1999 1997-1998 1996-1997 1995-1996 1994-1995 1993-1994 1992-1993 1991-1992 1990-1991 1989-1990 1988-1989 1987-1988 1986-1987 1985-1986 1984-1985 1983-1984 1982-1983 1981-1982 1980-1981 |
Quintet Attacca
John Work Chorale Bobby Everson: Percussion Power Nicole Mitchell and the Black Earth Strings Rhythmunity Ensemble Gerald McClendon Quartet: Blues Experience Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble Evanston Escola de Samba Bohola: Music of Ireland Quintette Chicago, Brass Ensemble David Young Quartet Las Guitarras de España Reginald R. Robinson, Ragtime Pianist Maxwell Street Klezmer Band AC Rock: A Cappella Rock n' Roll Tribus Futuras: Music of the Andes Diane Delin, Jazz Violinist: Jazz Talk Corky Siegel and Frank Donaldson Special Consensus, Traditional American Music/Bluegrass Bobby Everson: Percussion Power Jutta and the Hi-Dukes: Meet Your Neighbor's Folk Music The Wild Cats, Jazz Quartet Chicago A Cappella: The Feel and Sound of Singing Howard Levy: Harmonica Extraordinaire Sinfonia a Tre; Clarinet, Violin, and Cello Raga Arts Ensemble: Introduction to the Music of India Ndikho & Nomusa Xaba: Celebrating Africa with Music and Poetry Nelson Sosa: A Celebration of the Music of Latin America Millar Brass Quintet: Musical Magic: Abra Ca Da Brass Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo: A Celebration of the Music from Southeast Asia Bruce Hall & Sunny Joy Langton: Opera for Everyone Maxwell Street Klezmer Band Chicago Winds Woodwind Quintet Diane Delin Jazz Quartet: Jazz Talk Jenny Armstrong: Folk Music Celebration of Evanston's Ethnic Diversity Chicago Saxophone Quartet: That's Music Whirlwind Performance Company, Opera: La Serva Padrona Keith Eric: The Sounds of Jamaica Burgundian Consort: Early Music Jazz Quartet: All That Jazz Jeff Bradetich, Double Bass Harp Duo Chamber Brass Players Quintet Percussion Duo Special Consensus, Traditional American Music/Bluegrass City Strings Musica Viva Woodwind Quintet Frances Sanders, African-American Spirituals Synthesizer Duo Opera Duo Evanston Jazz Quintet Early Music Consort Chicago String Ensemble Chicago Brass Quintet Chicago Percussion Quintet O.K. Opera Chorale Bellezza Woodwind Ensemble |
Your donation to EISMA is music to your child's ears.
Support EISMA today!
Support EISMA today!