FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (3/14/2022)
Contact: Karin Venegas, karin@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7049
Sandra Tharas, sandra@anatgerstein.com, 347-361-7068
Jamaal Fisher, jamaal@anatgerstein.com, 347-545-2198
Klezmer star Frank London to Join Italian Songstress Alessandra Belloni and Senegalese Drummer Alioune Faye in Flushing Town Hall’s Next “Mashup” Concert
Alessandra Belloni, Frank London, Alioune Faye
(Flushing, N.Y.)— Flushing Town Hall’s popular, monthly concert series of Mini-Global Mashups will continue on Sunday, April 3 at 1:00 PM with Southern Italy Meets Senegal.
Series curator and acclaimed Klezmer trumpeter and composer, Frank London, will join this program’s featured artists as a special, musical guest.
“These concerts have been a real joy to hear, watch, and experience these last many months at the Hall, and they were so exciting for me to program,” says London. “I’m excited to join the mix and experiment on stage!”
In keeping with the spirit of the series, London will be joining Alessandra Belloni and Alioune Faye, each a master in the traditional sounds of their respective countries, to “mashup” and create something new and spontaneous.
Alessandra Belloni is a singer, percussionist, dancer, and actress. She specializes in traditional Southern Italian folk dances and percussion combined with vocals. Her voice has been described by The New York Times as “exultant.” The Los Angeles Times says Belloni is “a virtuoso” with “an enormously powerful presence.”
Born in Rome, Belloni is committed to preserving the strong and rich traditions of her culture. She is the founder, artistic director, and lead performer of “I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA,” an Italian ensemble in residence at New York City’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine and designer of a line of tambourines belonging to a signature series made by Remo. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, Joe’s Pub, and Madison Square Garden, as well as at drumming and world music festivals across the globe.
Alioune Faye hails from a long line of Senegalese drummers and griots (wandering musicians, poets, singers, and historians). He has worked with such greats as Youssou N’dour, Stevie Wonder, and Peter Gabriel, as well as with Senegal’s premier sabar ensemble, Sing Sing Rhythm. He plays sabar, tama and djembe. Currently based in New York, Faye is the leader of the group Yakar Rhythms.
“Celebrating and showcasing the commonalities and differences of global cultures is dear to our hearts at Flushing Town Hall. Mini-Global Mashups are fun, informative, and quickly becoming one of our most popular programs,” says Flushing Town Hall Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek.
For Flushing Town Hall’s full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.flushingtownhall.org/events
COVID Policy:
Although as of March 7, 2022, New York City has relaxed its COVID policies for indoor arts and entertainment events, Flushing Town Hall will maintain its prior policy for the safety of its audiences, artists, and staff. This policy will remain in effect until further notice: Flushing Town Hall requires all visitors, performers, and staff to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with matching identification. Additionally, masks will be required at all times. For more details on Flushing Town Hall’s Covid-safety measures and vaccine requirements, please visit: https://www.flushingtownhall.org/covid-safety.
Support Global Arts with a Gift Today!
All gifts of $50 or more give you exclusive Flushing Town Hall Circle of Friends membership benefits including a Smithsonian membership, ticket discounts, and more! Donations in any amount are appreciated to support the artists and the nonprofit cultural organization as they continue to provide programming and entertainment across New York and the world.
https://www.flushingtownhall.org/circle-of-friends
Flushing Town Hall is a not for profit organization and receives major support in its 2021-2022 Fiscal Year from the National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature; New York State Assembly Member Ron Kim; The City of New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio (2021) and Mayor Eric Adams (2022); New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Gonzalo Casals; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; The New York City Council, Speaker Corey Johnson; Council Members Costa Constantinides, Daniel Dromm, Barry Grodenchik, Peter Koo, Karen Koslowitz, Paul A. Vallone, Jimmy Van Bramer; Howard Gilman Foundation, Booth Ferris Foundation, Guru Krupa Foundation, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.
To view current donor lists, please visit www.flushingtownhall.org/donor-listings
About Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall (FTH), a Smithsonian affiliate, presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City in order to foster mutual appreciation. As advocates of arts equity since 1979, we support local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships and collaborations that enhance our efforts. As a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), we serve to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York. FTH celebrates the history of Queens as the home of Jazz, by presenting the finest in Jazz performance. We are committed to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and professional artists. We serve one of the most diverse communities in the world and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined our community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
Flushing Town Hall is a proud member of the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), a collective of 34 nonprofit museums, performing arts centers, historical societies, zoos, and botanical gardens across all five boroughs with a distinct private-public partnership with the City of New York and a commitment to serving all New Yorkers.
Land Acknowledgement:
Flushing Town Hall acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Matinecock People, one of the original tribes of New York, and the first people of Flushing, Queens. The Matinecock continue to live and work on this land to this day. Flushing Town Hall honors their elders who have stewarded this land throughout generations.
For more information:
www.flushingtownhall.org
(718) 463-7700 x222
137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354