Concert 2: Ancient Chinese Sound Meets the Western Voice—Wed, March 26

This concert explores the dynamic interplay between Chinese and Western musical styles, highlighting the versatility and universal appeal of the guzheng, a Chinese zither, and other traditional instruments. Qi Yu's performance challenges the perception of the guzheng by breaking cultural boundaries and redefining how we think about this timeless instrument.

a diasporic night representative of Caribbean memory, language and iconic sound culture. This curated night explores the axis of acoustic memory and palpable story telling, capturing the many rifts, continents and currents expressive of the Caribbean postcolonial experience.

The Rāginī Festival, formerly known as the Women's Raga Massive Festival, is a month-long virtual and in-person festival that explores the work of artists challenging systemic patriarchy in the South Asian creative ecosystem. Seeking to provide equitable and collaborative performance spaces, invigorate diasporic community engagement and inclusion, heal the infliction of colonial borders, and amplify the creative voices of non-patriarchal creators, The Rāginī Festival brings together artistic and musical threads from across oceans - retracing the labyrinth of memory and cultural myth-making. This festival exists as an invitation to invoke musical history as a tool to dream of homeland-- to transfigure exile’s dark waters, both tangible and spiritual, into art. The Rāginī Festival, features traditional raga, experimental performance, folk arts, poetry, visual art, dance and social justice panel conversations at renowned NYC venues including National Sawdust, Joe’s Pub and the Rubin Museum.

Concert 1: From Ancient to Contemporary: The Guzheng’s Development Over Time—Wed, March 12

Explore the rich history and evolution of the guzheng with AIR Qi Yu as she showcases the Chinese zither's traditional roots to its modern-day versatility. Along with contemporary compositions, Yu will perform nine distinct regional styles demonstrating how beautifully this instrument adapts to today’s musical influences. 

Join me for this special trio performance in the Musical Instruments Galleries at the the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Join me at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a special Artist talk as I talk about my musical creativity in response to the art from one of the collections.

Gather at Hillwood for Come Sail Away, the annual Valentine's celebration on Thursday, February 13, 7-10 p.m. Be the first to explore the fabulous special exhibition, Setting Sail: The Story of Sea Cloud. Enjoy the open bar, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and dessert by Design Cuisine, and bid on exclusive items in the silent auction.

Concert 2: Threads of Tradition: Connecting Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran—Wed, January 29

Enjoy an unforgettable evening where music weaves together the shared legacies and distinct voices of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Led by guitarist and composer Hasan Imam Hamdani, the concert explores the rich traditions of Persian, Afghan, and Pakistani music and literature, celebrating their deep cultural connections while honoring their unique identities. 

Experience the magic of cross-continental collaboration with guitarist and composer Hasan Imam Hamdan as he performs original compositions that traverse the musical landscapes of South Asia and West Africa. Joined by renowned sarod player Manik Khan, Hamdani weaves together ancient traditions and modern innovations, accompanied by a string quartet featuring Erin Murphy Snedecor (cello), Kimia Hesabi (viola), and Celaya Kirschner and Natalia Merezhuk (violin). Spanish composer Daniel Osiewala’s string arrangements tie together this unique musical journey.

Give your Thursday night a new rhythm. Jazz at Lincoln Center joins us this summer to bring New York City’s jazz scene to Broadway, creating the feeling of an intimate club amidst the lights and sounds of Times Square.

FREE registration. Reserve your spot online now! “Doors” open at 4:30pm https://www.timessquarenyc.org/tsqnyc/jazz-in-times-square

Trinidad & Tobago Association of Washington DC partners with Wack 90.1fm to put on this show featuring 4 premiere pannists in the Washington DC performing in the company of some of Trinidad & Tobago’s great players.

Performers:

Domenic Lewis

Kobie Andrews

Lennard Jack Jr.

Josanne Francis

Joshua Regrello

Johann Chuckaree

Tyeesha Alexander

Duvone Stewart

Livestrem: www.wackradio901fm.com www.ttadc.org/events

“Josanne Francis steelpan artist, a first at PAPJAZZ!”

The Josanne Francis Septet:

Josanne Francis, steelpan

Elijah Jamal Balbed, saxophone

Mark G. Meadows, piano

Herman Burney Jr., bass

Atesh Indarjit, tabla

Francisco Vielma, percussion

Joey Antico, drumset

Josanne Francis performs

Josanne Francis performs

Private.

Josanne Francis trio performs at Good Hope Community Center.

Josanne Francis and Daron Roberts perform as featured guests with SoMiSPO (the Southern Miss Steel Pan Orchestra) at the University of Southern Mississippi. Expect to hear classical, jazz, calypso, and much more!

Josanne Francis gives presentation on her career as a performer and entrepreneur in the arts.

Josanne Francis performs.

Film & Lecture Series: Local Women Explore Creativity, Identity & Resilience hosted by artist Neha Misra featuring Artistic Director & Professor of Ballet Pedagogy Jacqueline Akhmedova; Steelpan Artist & Music Educator Josanne Francis; Multi-media Artist, Activist & Curator Jackie Hoysted; Textile & Mixed Media Artist Lauren Heather Lay; Artist Roza Matlin; Comic & Writer Kandace Saunders