Mixing West African roots, Gospel harmonies and American funk, women-led ensemble ADAAWE brews up a contemporary global fusion. Its dynamic members bring their diverse percussive and harmonic flavors to the stage, with an intoxicating energy that captivates audiences everywhere. This concert is presented in partnership with the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series.

This concert features Dr. Gregory Hand, organist, and high school soloists. Dr. Hand is the University of Iowa Associate Professor of Organ. He is in high demand as a performer and pedagogue and has given recitals and masterclasses in the United States, France, Spain, Germany and Brazil.

"Hi person reading this (yes, we are talking to you) – we are Josh Arnett and Aaron Gray, and we are accidentally known as “The Singing Contractors” (thanks to the many fans online that gave us this name after hearing these 2 good ole boys sing). We’re guessing you know this already….but we actually do come from a long line of hammer-holders and super-singers (a big thanks to mom and dad for passing on the lucky genes). We are Indiana boys who get together on the jobsite and belt out a tune every once in a while. We are indeed contractors and as the scars on our hands can prove, we work hard. We love God and family and we are humbled that so many people love to hear us sing (thanks to the BIG BEARDS we wear…they help filter out the flat notes!)"
More info is available at: https://thesingingcontractors.com/?subpages/default.shtml#home

Now in its 27th season of touring nationally, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas recreates the joy and innocence of a night before Christmas in a remote farmhouse in his native parish of Teampall an Ghleanntáin in the west of Ireland – in the 1950s . . . when the neighboring families gather around the fire to grace the wintry night with traditional Irish Christmas carols . . . to raise the rafters with the joy of their music . . . to knock sparks off the flagstone floor with traditional dances - and, of course, stories – they filled the night with the laughter of their stories. For a taste of the show, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtmMg8GUwnE.

Wartburg College’s Kantorei is a mixed choral ensemble that performs a variety of sacred music and often provides leadership for campus worship. The Handbell Choir rings a 5-octave set of handbells, and performs at Chapel services, in the annual Christmas with Wartburg program, and in a Winter Term concert. The conductor of Kantorei and the Handbell Choir is Dr. Karen Black, who serves as the Rudi Inselmann Endowed Professor of Organ at Wartburg College.

PROJECT Trio is a passionate, high energy chamber music ensemble based in Brooklyn, New York. It consists of three virtuosic composer/performers Greg Pattillo (flute), Daniel Berkey (saxophone), and Peter Seymour (double bass). Preview their work here: www.youtube.com/channel/UC6NSttcT4v9nf_UD0n7rNsg

Wanees, a Palestinian-American multi-instrumentalist, currently directs the Middle East Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago, a 60-piece orchestra that performs Arab, Turkish and Persian music. Wanees’s music combines elements of maqam, jazz, funk and latin music with complex grooves. This concert is offered in partnership with the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series.

Originally from the island of O`ahu, Daniel Pak is a singer, songwriter, and producer residing in Seattle, Washington. Pak is also the co-founder and executive director of Totem Star, a nonprofit youth record label that for twelve years has supported the artistic development and mentorship of nearly 5,000 aspiring young recording artists in the greater Seattle area. This concert is presented in partnership with the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Series.