Sitarist Anoushka Shankar has always sought to infuse her classical Indian music with a more international sound. On Friday, she will perform at Lisner with an ensemble that combines her ancient traditions with Spanish flamenco. more ›

Yamato blends theatricality and showmanship with the ancient traditions of Japanese taiko drumming. The 17-piece percussion ensemble will be at Lisner on Sunday for a 7 p.m. show. more ›

Malika Zarra's story echoes those of so many of us who share the immigrant's experience. Originally from a village in southern Morocco, Zarra's family moved to France, where she was forced to live a hyphenated existence. For some, having to adapt to a new culture while maintaining ancestral ties can be stifling. Many, however, see the possibilities that lie in drawing from the best of both worlds and do not see it as an either/or proposition, but rather seek an amalgamation of old and new as a distinct cultural identity. more ›

Twenty-five years have passed since Ladysmith Black Mambazo first came to the attention of Western ears through their work on Paul Simon's seminal Graceland album. Since that time, the South African a cappella group has toured the world continuously, spreading its gospel of peace and harmony. Every Mambazo performance is a completely uplifting experience, presenting the audience a chance to witness a group of men whose goal is to attain pure joy, both for themselves and those listening. more ›

The traditions of Indian classical music stretch back, literally, thousands of years. But over the past decade or so, there has been a steady stream of South Asian musicians looking to incorporate these ancient musical conventions into the 21st century. Artists such as Anoushka Shankar, the MIDIval Punditz, Karsh Kale, Cheb-i-Sabbah and DJ Rekha are just a few of the artists that have brought this hybrid sound into clubs and concert halls. Another name to add to this list is Suphala, a talented young tabla player, producer and composer who has started making waves in New York's music scene. more ›

Being an international city, Washington, D.C. has no shortage of international music. But most of those global sounds are found in larger concert halls, with relatively few opportunities for enthusiasts to hear what is going on in the world's club and underground music scenes. A new venture, re/route, is seeking to change that, beginning with an event featuring Chilean rapper Ana Tijoux tonight at Līv. more ›

When musicians come together from disparate musical traditions, the results tend to favor one of two extremes. Either the artists play past one another, without creating a true dialogue, or, in rare instances, the collaboration is a wholly satisfying experience that showcases music as a universal language. Fortunately, The Melody of Rhythm, a project that brings together three of the world's best in their respective disciplines, falls into the latter category. more ›

Steeped in North India's Hindustani classical music from a very young age, sitarist Anoushka Shankar has always been respectful of its ancient roots, but also sees it as living music that is continuously growing and evolving. This outlook is no doubt in large part due to the influence of her father, Ravi Shankar. Arguably India's most well-known musician, the elder Shankar brought Indian classical music to Western ears in the 50s and 60s, and was also among the first musicians to experiment with the fusion of Indian and Western music, a progression his daughter sees as only natural. more ›

The concert will feature the critically acclaimed Orchestra of Tangier and 22-year-old vocal virtuoso Marouan Hajji, both from Morocco, along with Tunisian singer Lotfi Bouchnak, considered one of the great Arab musicians. The festival's producer is Kazko Kawai, president of MENA music, a New York-based company founded in 2006 with the goal of enhancing mutual understanding between the Arab world and American people. more ›

Music that attempts to fuse traditional and contemporary forms always draws some trepidation. Sometimes it works. After all, one of this year's best shows combined Indian classical music with electronic grooves. Many times, however, the results are just schmaltzy dreck, devoid of any emotion or integrity. more ›

One of the great things about living in a city as diverse as ours is the variety of ethnic music that one hears while just walking down the street, whether it be coming out of a club, a car rolling with its top down, or out of an open apartment window. Those looking to open their windows and contribute to the city's ambient soundtrack should give a listen to Made in Dakar, by celebrated Senegalese collective Orchestra Baobab. Released last week on World Circuit/Nonesuch Records, the recording provides the perfect aural complement to the sunshine filled (and often steamy) days that make up spring and summer in the District. more ›

>> Tonight, head over to Twins Jazz to check out New York's Mark Feldman (violin) and Sylvie Courvoisier (piano) as they team up for an evening of experimental jazz. Feldman has recorded with artists as diverse as John Zorn and They Might Be Giants while Courvoisier has worked with a number of notable European artists. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information. >> Most of you will be stuffing your faces with Turkey Day... more ›

Mickey Hart (pictured right), best known as one of the drummers in the Grateful Dead, has a deep passion for rhythm and its chief purveyor, the drum. Having authored books on the history and mythology of drums and drumming, as well as works on the spiritual aspects of music, Hart’s work as a musician reflects this combination of the spiritual and academic aspects of his craft. So it's no surprise that Hart found a kindred spirit in Zakir Hussain. Universally recognized as the finest tabla player in the world, the Indian classical tradition from which Hussain comes is very intellectual, but also has deep spiritual and religious roots. more ›

The festival, which begins at 4 p.m. at the Iwo Jima Memorial grounds, will feature Hugh Masekela (pictured, Legendary South African Trumpeter), Lila Downs (Latin Grammy winning/Oscar nominated Mexican-American vocal powerhouse), Cyro Baptista (avant garde Brazilian percussionist), Benny Jones, Sr. and the Treme Brass Brand (New Orleans Street Band) and The Ska-talites (Ska/Reggae). Additionally, a second stage will feature an afternoon of entertainment for the kiddies. For a full schedule, visit the festival website. more ›

Jeff Antoniuk grew up listening to 1970s and 80s R&B, and funk like Michael Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, and Average White Band, in addition to the required Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. He then discovered jazz fusion, which then led to classic acoustic jazz. In between all of this, he was studying classical piano classical theory and his master’s studies also included world music and ethnomusicology. The result is a wide range of... more ›

>> The keepers of traditional New Orleans jazz, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band (pictured), whose members range in age from 31 to 88, visit The Lincoln Theater tonight. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $30. >> For those who prefer to look to the future instead of the past, fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty comes to The Birchmere to perform his unique blend of jazz, rock, and world music. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.... more ›

Review and photos by DCist contributor Paul Ghosh-Roy more ›

FRIDAY: more ›