This December, Flushing Town Hall is turning up the heat with a musical celebration that spans the globe. The venue will present two incredible performances in its Global Mashup series that fuse diverse genres, rich cultural traditions, and innovative sounds. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a fan of global folk, or someone who loves to dance to Latin beats, these events promise to be an unforgettable musical journey.
Mini Global Mashup: “DoYeon Kim Meets Joe Lovano” – A Fusion of Jazz and Korean Folk
Kicking off the month is the highly anticipated Mini Global Mashup: “DoYeon Kim Meets Joe Lovano” on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 1 p.m. This performance brings together Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano and DoYeon Kim, a virtuoso of the gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument. Together with percussionist Satoshi Takeishi, the trio will blend the intricate, resonant strings of the gayageum with the improvisational power of jazz, creating a sound that transcends cultural boundaries.
Joe Lovano is a renowned figure in the jazz world, with numerous accolades, including awards from DownBeat, JazzTimes, and the Jazz Journalists Association. His career has spanned over 25 albums, making him a pillar of contemporary jazz. On the other hand, DoYeon Kim is celebrated for her unique approach to the gayageum, a traditional instrument that she infuses with modern jazz and improvisation. Her acclaimed album Macrocosm with Joe Morris has earned her international praise, and her performances worldwide have solidified her place as one of the most innovative musicians of her generation.
Global Mashup: “Taktouka Band Meets Spanglish Fly” – A Musical Voyage Across Cultures
The following weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m., the Global Mashup: “Taktouka Band Meets Spanglish Fly” will feature an exhilarating collision of styles. The Taktouka Band, hailing from New York, is known for blending Arabic folk music with jazz, electronics, and global dance rhythms. Their debut EP “Bassara” is a vibrant reflection of this unique fusion and was supported by the NYC Women’s Fund and NYFA in 2022.
The Spanglish Fly band brings the lively sounds of Latin boogaloo, a genre born in 1960s Spanish Harlem that fuses Latin rhythms with soul and R&B. Known for their bold fusion, Spanglish Fly takes the energy of Afro-Caribbean music and reimagines it, blending original songs and covers into an unforgettable sonic experience. The 12-member band is a powerhouse of musicians who bring everything from vocals to percussion and brass to the stage.
The Experience: Culture, Rhythm, and Dance
Both events are more than just performances; they are experiences that invite audiences to engage with the music. On Dec. 7, guests are encouraged to arrive early at 7 p.m. for a special dance lesson before the performance. It’s a chance to connect with the rhythms and movement styles of the music, whether you’re an experienced dancer or a first-timer.
Get Your Tickets!
Tickets for the Mini Global Mashup on December 1st are available for just $15 for general admission or $13 for seniors and students. For the Global Mashup on December 7th, tickets are $25 for general admission, with discounts for seniors, students, and members.
Flushing Town Hall’s Global Mashup series offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience music from around the world, live on stage. Whether you’re drawn to the mesmerizing sounds of Korean folk or the energetic rhythms of Latin boogaloo, these performances promise to bring something fresh, exciting, and culturally enriching to the music scene.
Photo credit: Flushing Town Hall website