TUVANFEST!!!

What does throat singing sound like? "Imagine a human bagpipe-a person who could sing a sustained low note while humming an eerie, whistle-like melody. For good measure, toss in a thrumming rhythm similar to that of a jaw harp, but produced vocally-by the same person, at the same time." -Newsweek

TUVANFEST PART 1
Alash Ensemble (http://www.alashensemble.com/)

-- "with special guests AppalAsia"
Friday March 12, 8 pm
Istanbul Cafe, 4130 Butler St., Lawrenceville
$10 advance/$15 door

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches simultaneously. They are deeply committed to the traditional music and culture of Tuva, an autonomous republic in Russia which has been part of the Chinese and Mongolian empires. At the same time, they are fans of Western music. Believing that traditions must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with popular elements, creating their own unique style. In addition to appearing at Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and on National Public Radio's "Soundcheck," they were guest artists on Bela Fleck's "Jingle All the Way" album, which won a Grammy in 2009.

Advance tickets on sale from Paul's CDs (Bloomfield), Caliban Books (Oakland), The Exchange (Sq Hill), Acoustic Music Works (Sq Hill), Dave's Music Mine (South Side), The Exchange Smithfield (Downtown), and Istanbul.

This event is co-presented by Calliope Folk Music Society, Silk Screen, Fluffy Gravy Foundation, and Istanbul Cafe.

TUVANFEST PART 2
Chirgilchin (http://www.chirgilchin.com/)
Friday March 19, 8 pm
First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood Ave., Shadyside
$15 advance/$20 door

Chirgilchin, meaning "dance of the air in the heat of the day" or "miracle" in Tuvan, is a group of  musicians performing traditional Tuvan music established in 1996. Singing ancient folk songs in the Tuvan language, the group also plays handmade instruments, and has returned for their landmark fourth concert in Pittsburgh. The group consists of Igor Koshkendey, Mongun-ool Ondar, Aldar Tamdyn, and Aidysmaa Koshkendey. Igor Koshkendey won several international grand prizes in throat singing competitions, and Ondar has mastered six throat-singing styles while working on inventing his own. Tamdyn is a renowned instrument maker and builds all the folk instruments the band uses.

Advance tickets on sale from Paul's CDs (Bloomfield), Caliban Books (Oakland), The Exchange (Sq Hill), Acoustic Music Works (Sq Hill), Dave's Music Mine (South Side), and The Exchange Smithfield (Downtown).

This event is co-presented by Calliope Folk Music Society, Silk Screen, Fluffy Gravy Foundation, and First Unitarian Church.

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