Members of the Moscow and University of Idaho communities will have the chance to explore various cultures through music Friday evening at the World Celebration of Music.
As stated on flyers, the event, which is in its 7th year, will feature UI’s Jazz Choir No. 1, World Beat Ensemble, Jazz Band No. 1 and Flute Ensemble alongside the dynamic duo of Seattle artists Eric and Encarnacion.
“When they (Eric and Encarnacion) come here, they also — besides performing on their own, their set — they also perform with student ensembles. We prepare the ensembles in advance and when they’re here, we put the two things together,” said Navin Chettri, a UI associate professor and organizer of World Music Celebration.
Navin Chettri
The student groups will accent the music and dance performed by the headliners, he said.
“I perform in the event,” Chettri said. “I am the artistic director. I look into the organization, as well as coordinating visiting artists — all of that stuff. We also have Barry Bilderback, who is co-organizer, so I’m involved with organizing and performing.”
Chettri said the goal of the annual World Music Celebration is to feature music from all over the world.
In the past, Chettri said the World Music Celebration has featured performers from Mali, Greece, Brazil, Guinea and Ghana.
“We haven’t had flamenco music featured, so we were looking for artists with a flamenco background,” Chettri said. “Eric and Encarnacion were based in Seattle and they are some really amazing flamenco musicians.”
One unique aspect of this event compared to its previous iterations is the inclusion of the UI Dance Program, Chettri said. Typically, the event is hosted primarily by the Lionel Hampton School of Music without a dance component.
“This year, since it’s flamenco, and Encarnacion is also a dancer, we’re doing something with the dance department,” Chettri said. “They’re doing a workshop there, so it’s a treat with music, as well as dancing, so that’s cool — it’s a double shot.”
Chettri encourages everyone to come to the event.
“This is an opportunity to listen to some world class musicians from different parts of the world,” Chettri said. “I especially feel that this is a real treat. Being here, we don’t have much access to that like a big city. We have so many cool things in our community and this counts as part of that. To experience all of that music otherwise you wouldn’t even think about is something you won’t want to miss, so please come.”
The performance will be held in the University Auditorium 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are only available at the door; $8 for adults or $5 for students and senior citizens.
There will also be a flamenco workshop — “The Essence of Flamenco” — which is free and open to all, starting at 4:15 p.m. Saturday in the Haddock Performance Hall.