Gaida Hinnawi and her four-piece band are playing in the Buskirk-Chumley Theater right now and are pretty much rockin’ out, Arabic jazz style. Straight out of the NYC Arab barrio, Hinnawi incorporates “classical Arabic song, Syrian folk traditions, and improvisations that expand on traditional Arabic maqams (modes).” And let me tell you, it’s SUCH a cool sound.

-Chelsea

Hi all-

I’m perched on the balcony at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, catching the first act of tonight’s three-band “Northern Realms” show, Waltz with Me (members Annbjørg Lien, Bruce Molsky, Mats Edén, and Christine Hanson). The Lotus Web site describes the band as the “brainchild of Norwegian Hardanger fiddle virtuoso” Lien, and incorporates bluegrass, Celtic and Swedish fiddle to create a sort of graceful yet epic tone. Actually, it kind of reminds me of the happier, more upbeat scenes from “Braveheart,” disregarding the whole prima nocta thing and all. And yes, I do know there is a huge difference between Swedish fiddle and Scottish freedom, but Waltz with Me also uses Celtic stuff, too. So there.

Anyway, Lien is kind of mesmerizing me right now with her mad fiddling and singing in presumably a Norse language. I might also note that she has some very cool-looking boots on. If I had to make a relative comparison to get you to understand what these melodies sound like, she would be like a Norwegian Allison Krause. Yeah, that’s a good comparison. Later (if my rough academic schedule permits), I’ll upload a clip from the band’s demo CD, in addition to the other bands playing tonight to give you a taste of Scandinavia.

Although I won’t be around for Julie Fowlis and Frigg tonight, I’ve heard their demos and am really excited to listen to Fowlis’ Gaelic songs and Frigg’s Finnish & Norwegian string band tomorrow night.

-Chelsea Merta

Hey ya’ll! Tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the Buskirk, Lotus Fest will commence with “an evening of music from northern Europe.”

Featuring three of the 26 musical acts this year, the “Northern Realms” show will showcase Scottish Gaelic folk singer Julie Fowlis, Finnish/Norwegian string folk musicians Frigg and international folk quartet Waltz with Me. If you have time today, run over to the Buskirk and buy a ticket (they’re $15 today and go up to $20 tomorrow!). Or, you can get ‘em at Bloomington Arts Web site.

(courtesy Frigg picture)

Anyway, can I talk about how excited I am to cover Lotus again this year?!! Well, I am. I am so busy trying to prepare for it (not to mention trying to keep up with classes) but Lotus is ALWAYS worth the hectic-ness. And now I have this nifty little program called Audacity, where I can upload small clips from promo discs and concerts so you can listen to them at home! You know, in case you can’t make it downtown at all this weekend and stuff.

And if you can’t make it out at all, no worries! My partner-in-crime, $tefania, and I will be updating often as the weekend progresses. As a treat for you next time, I’ll upload a song bite from one of the bands for which I am WAY excited.

Until then!!

-Chelsea Merta