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Jazz at Flushing Town Hall

Emblematic of its mission to provide global music to a global community, this Spring Flushing Town Hall resumes its popular Global Mashups series where musical artists from across the globe present – and then unite – their melodies in one-of-a-kind performances.

At each of the five events, audiences of all ages experience musical performances from two different regions, and then watch and listen as the music artists step onstage together for a distinctive third set. Before the start of each performance, audience members participate in dance lessons - often leading to a lively, engaging scene – as they embrace the new sounds (and then they jump onto the dance floor again during the performances!).

“It’s amazing to behold how the traditional music of one region can blend seamlessly with the sounds of another region, ” said Ellen Kodadek, Executive and Artistic Director of Flushing Town Hall. “Each year, we endeavor to make this a unique experience, one you won’t see anywhere else, as artists from across the globe meet for the first time, and then present together.”

On tap this spring are: Latin Boogaloo meets Afrobeat on April 20; Egypt meets Haiti on May 4; Mexico meets Guinea on May 18; Balkans meets El Barrio on June 1; and, Texas meets Peru on June 15. All dance lessons begin at 7:00 PM, followed by concerts at 8:00 PM.

Tickets to all Global Mashup performances are $16, and $10 for members and students. You can access details by visiting http://www.flushingtownhall.org/globalmashup or by calling (718) 463-7700 x222.

This season, Flushing Town Hall is opening its doors to teenagers – for FREE. Under the new “Teen Access Program”, all 13- to 19-year-old boys and girls (whether a member or not) will be welcomed to attend any performance for free. The program is designed to appeal to students and help foster a greater love in the arts and culture.

Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train and foot – located a short distance from the 7 train - at 137-35 Northern Blvd., in Flushing, Queens. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available.

Global Mashup #1: Latin Boogaloo meets Afrobeat

FRI, APR 20, 7 PM (DANCE LESSONS) & 8 PM (CONCERT)
We’re mashing up two cultures on one stage with an open dance floor! With Spanglish Fly, New York City’s only band dedicated to reviving and renewing Latin Boogaloo’s soul and R&B mix, and Chop and Quench, comprised of members of the cast and band of FELA! The Musical. Each band plays a set, then the two meet and jam. Come ready to dance.

Global Mashup #2: Egypt meets Haiti

FRI, MAY 4, 7 PM (DANCE LESSONS) & 8 PM (CONCERT)
We’re mashing up two cultures on one stage with an open dance floor! With Zikrayat, playing a wide repertory of Egyptian music ranging from exciting bellydance numbers to virtuosic improvisations, and the Agoci Band, combining hip-hop, roots, and calypso flavors with Haitian compas. Each band plays a set, then the two meet and jam. Come ready to dance.

Global Mashup #3: Mexico meets Guinea

FRI, MAY 18, 7 PM (DANCE LESSONS) & 8 PM (CONCERT)
We’re mashing up two cultures on one stage with an open dance floor! Featuring Banda de los Muertos, playing the boisterous Mexican brass/contemporary music known as “banda, ” and Mandingo Ambassadors led by guitarist Mamady “Djelike” Kouyaté, a veteran of the golden age of Guinean dance bands. Each band plays a set, then the two meet and jam. Come ready to dance.

Global Mashup #4: Balkans meets El Barrio

FRI, JUNE 1, 7 PM (DANCE LESSONS) & 8 PM (CONCERT)
We’re mashing up two cultures on one stage with an open dance floor! Raya Brass Band thrills the audience with intense, soul-shaking Balkan wedding music, and Spanglish Fly returns with irresistible grooves that play 60’s soul inspired by Latin boogaloo. Each band plays a set, then the two meet and jam. Come ready to dance.

Global Mashup #5: Texas meets Peru

FRI, JUNE 15, 7 PM (DANCE LESSONS) & 8 PM (CONCERT)
We’re mashing up two cultures on one stage with an open dance floor! Featuring Brian Clayton and The Green River Band, comprised of six of the finest country musicians, and Corina Bartra Afro Peruvian Band, playing infectious Afro-Peruvian music. Each band plays a set, then the two meet and jam. Come ready to dance.

Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts dba Flushing Town Hall is a not for profit organization which receives major support from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Mayor Bill de Blasio; Queens Borough President Melinda Katz; Council Members Costa Constantinides, Daniel Dromm, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz, and Paul A. Vallone; and the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, and the Lily Auchincloss Foundation.

Support is also provided by 888 Realty USA, William & Joan Cai, Cathay Bank, Chang Jiang Supermarket, Michael Cheng / Epos Development, Dr. Hsing-Lih Chou / New York Institute of Culture and the Arts, Con Edison, Crossings TV, Culture Center of TECO in New York, Decorama Building & Plumbing Supplies, Exploring the Metropolis, Firstrade Securities, Kuang-Yu Fong / Chinese Theatre Works, Barbara Garii, Howard Graf & Kathy Donovan, the Glow Foundation, Heather Harrison / Farrell Fritz, David M. Hunter, Raymond D. Jasen, the Jim Henson Foundation, Ellen J. Kodadek, Nelson Lee / Flushing Bank, James S. Liao, Steven Lii / New United NY Corp, Anita Lin, Lin & Loveall Foundation, Linden Arts Fund for Children, Lucy Liou, Anita Liu, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, Materials for the Arts, William McClure / Queens College, the NYC & Company Foundation, New York Community Trust, Queens Art Education Center / Arthur Liu, Georgiana Reese-Benatti / New York Community Bank & New York Community Bank Foundation, New York Shandong Association, RuDance / Asian American Dance Sport Corp., Mike Sperendi & Jan Schneider, Sterling National Bank, Veronica Tsang, WAC Lighting, Tony & Tai Wang, Edwina and Eldwin Wong, George Xu / Century Development Group, Minwen Yang, Hank Yeh, and Sandy Yeh.

About Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall (FTH) presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts. As a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), we serve to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. We are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists. We serve one of the most diverse communities in the world, and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
 
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