#RevelsConnects Presents:
Musical Connections
We’re excited to share this special archive of #RevelsConnects first Musical Connections series exploring musical traditions from around the world with intimate virtual experiences including 45-minute salon-style performances with a variety of cultural tradition bearers. Each performance was hosted on Facebook Live and followed by a companion podcast produced in collaboration with the Mass Cultural Council and hosted by the MCC’s Folk Arts & Heritage Program Manager, Maggie Holtzberg.
#RevelsConnects 2020-21 Musical Connections performance/podcast series.
Enjoy Our Past Season!
Presented Sunday, October 18, 2020
Watch the video on YouTube
Listen to the Companion Podcast
Click here for the Episode 1 transcript
Dating as far back as the early 1600's, spirituals are said to be one of America's original folk songs. Though now, Spirituals have a legitimate place under the umbrella of classical music, this style of music is celebrated from instrumental and vocal ensembles to solo and piano - no matter the ethnic or racial background. Johnny Nichols, Jr., accompanied by former Revels music director Megan Henderson on piano, takes us on a journey of spirituals, arranged by H.T Burleigh and Moses Hogan, that are unique and special to his cultural heritage as well as his personal upbringing. Join us for this first #RevelsConnects presentation as Johnny passionately sings and shares short stories that connect these songs to his family and experiences growing up in rural Louisiana.
Presented Sunday, January 24, 2021 (Watch & Listen)
Watch the video on YouTube
Listen to the Companion Podcast
Click here for the Episode 2 transcript
Hailing from Mali, Balla is a Balafon player and Djeli and the recipient of a 2019 NEA National Heritage Fellow in recognition of his music, and for keeping Western African traditions alive.
Presented Sunday, February 28, 2021 (Watch & Listen)
Watch the video on YouTube
Listen to the Companion Podcast
Click here for the Episode 3 transcript
Josée Vachon
Born in Québec and raised in Maine, Josée Vachon has been sharing her Franco-American upbringing for over 25 years through traditional and contemporary folksongs from Québec and Acadia and through her own compositions.
Presented Sunday, March 28, 2021 (Watch & Listen)
Watch the video on YouTube
Listen to the Companion Podcast
Click here for the Episode 4 transcript
Karim Nagi
An Egyptian musician, dancer and educator, Karim performs and teaches Arab Music & Dance to schools, universities, communities and festivals, and speaks about diversity and how the arts can fight xenophobia.
Presented Sunday, April 25, 2021 (Watch & Listen)
Watch the video on YouTube
Listen to the Companion Podcast
Click here for the Episode 5 transcript
Tom Pixton
An International, Balkan, and Scottish folk dance musician, Tom has worked with many of today's most accomplished dance teachers and musicians as accordionist, pianist, band leader, music arranger, and CD producer.
Presented Sunday, May 23, 2021 (Watch & Listen)
Watch the video on YouTube
Listen to the Companion Podcast
Click here for the Episode 6 transcript
Beth Bahia Cohen is of Syrian Jewish and Russian Jewish heritage. Inspired early by the sounds she heard at family gatherings, she later studied with master musicians from Hungary, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East. She plays the violin, various Greek lyras, the Turkish bowed tanbur and more.
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Revels is grateful to the Ithaka Foundation for its generous
support of our #RevelsConnects: Musical Connections series.
Did you miss a #RevelsConnects concert or program? Enjoy them now!
A Sea Revels Adventure with Perkins School for the Blind
Sea Chantey Sing with David Coffin
From the #RevelsConnects Spring 2020 Performance Series
Revels Virtual Spring Sing with David Coffin
Revels Virtual Pub Sing with David Coffin
Sunniva Brynnel at Patrik Wingård
In Stile Moderno with Special Guest Fabio Pirozzolo
A Maritime Voyage in Song with David Coffin
Revels has always been about community - gathering, singing together, celebrating together. While we can't be together in person right now, thanks to technology (and the many people who have helped Revels harness this technology), we can be together online through #RevelsConnects - an online, virtual community.
Stay safe and keep singing!