World Music Concert and Workshops with Royal Hartigan and Nana Simopolous

Two of the Berkshires’ most noted musicians join forces back home this Saturday, Jan. 26, for a world music concert and a pair of master classes. In addition to their concert, Royal Hartigan and Nana Simopoulos will be conducting percussion and vocal workshops for musicians of all ages and capabilities.Details below, or go straight to the ticket page for further descriptions:Teaming up with master percussionist Royal Hartigan on drums, Nana plays sitar and guitar and sings in an exotic style that blends sounds and textures from around the world with jazz. Virtuoso saxophonist Charlie Tokarz and bassist Otto Garner accompany her along with Caryn Heilman on keyboard and vocals. The concert starts at 7:30pm (doors open at 6:30) in the wonderful performance space of The Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton, Mass.Workshops:Royal Hartigan Hands on World Music: West African Drumming and Dance, (4:00-6:00pm) will focus on the traditions of Ghana, West Africa, including bell, rattle, and lead and support drumming. Participants experience the interactions of the drums and how these rhythms are expressed in dance movements. each attendee should bring a drum and dress comfortably to move. use of earplugs is strongly suggested.Nana Simopoulos Vocal Circle Workshop (4:00-6:00pm)Singing in a vocal circle can be one of the most gratifying group experiences. Open to singers of all levels, this vocal circle workshop will introduce you to and help you develop the various techniques used to create music on the spot in a circle of other vocalists. Nana studied with Bobby McFerrin who developed “Circlesongs”, a style of improvised singing that works for groups large and small. In the circle, singers will explore their own voices as they listen to the voices around them. We will begin with games and exercises that will open up the flow of creativity. You will learn how to create unique motifs, rhythms and melodies that will ultimately guide you toward making your own improvised vocal circles. More than anything we will have a wonderful time singing together.https://youtu.be/b_zy6H-rk6s