The musical traditions of the Middle East, Spain and Eastern Europe will take center stage in Adrian when the Israeli folk ensemble Baladino visits for a weeklong residency April 10-16.
Baladino’s visit to Lenawee County is part of the Arts Midwest World Fest, a program that connects small and mid-sized Midwestern communities to world cultures through week-long residencies with global performers. The Croswell Opera House in Adrian is the Michigan host site for Arts Midwest’s 2015-17 cycle.
Baladino combines centuries-old melodies carried to Israel from Spain, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Arabic countries, blending these far-ranging influences into music that reflects the diversity of the cultural melting pot that is Israel.
“Being able to host the Arts Midwest World Fest has been such a gift,” Croswell artistic director Jere Righter said. “This is an amazing opportunity to hear how people around the world express themselves through music. Baladino’s music represents an incredible blend of cultures, and we’re honored to be hosting them at the Croswell.”
Baladino will conduct several educational workshops over the course of the week, some for school groups and some for the general public, followed by a final performance at the Croswell.
“Arts Midwest’s goal is to make meaningful and lasting impressions on the communities that host this program,” explained David Fraher, president and CEO of Arts Midwest, a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis. “We think week-long residencies can offer so much more than one-day visits. There are more opportunities to truly connect with each other whether through workshops in schools, concerts in the greater community, or through social gatherings. We want this to be a rich experience for the entire community.”
All the members of Baladino are accomplished musicians in their own right. Lead vocalist Yael Badash is also an actress with several film and television credits, as well as six seasons at the Cameri Theatre in Tel Aviv. Daniel Sapir, who plays bass and bass guitar, is also a composer and lyricist who has written for dance and theater in Israel and Europe; his debut album of original Hebrew songs was released in 2015. Percussionist Yshai Afterman has performed for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli President Shimon Peres, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry. String player Tomer Moked has directed at the Cameri Theatre and numerous other venues, in addition to teaching at schools across Israel. Woodwind player Yonnie Dror has performed at the United Nations headquarters and is also a founding member of the Yamma Ensemble.
For a list of public workshops during the week, go to croswell.org/baladino.
The final concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16. Admission is $10 per person, with a reduced rate of $5 for students.
The 2015-17 Arts Midwest World Fest cycle is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, 3M Foundation, Anime Twin Cities, and nine state arts commissions, including the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
Baladino is the second of four groups to visit Adrian as part of the Arts Midwest World Fest. Anda Union, from Mongolia, will visit in October. Le Vent du Nord, from Quebec, will arrive in Spring 2017.
To order tickets, call 517-264-7469 or click here.