Join us for Near Eastern, Balkan, and Jazz Fusion Music by Foreign Exchange: Anita Trubitt (accordion), Lisa Gomes (fiddle), Ernie Provencher (bass) and Marcia Kemble (percussion). With special guest Souren Baronian, they'll be playing music from the Balkans and the Near/Middle East, particularly Armenia, Turkey, Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria. Besides traditional ethnic music, the group also mixes some jazz styling and original compositions into its playing. Improvisational segments are incorporated within many of the tunes, a common practice in both Balkan/Near Eastern music and jazz.

Guest musician Souren Baronian of New York, an Armenian American, is a master player of G-clarinet, soprano saxophone, kaval (flute), dudook (double-reed instrument), dumbek, and tambourine. His playing and his compositions are a true synthesis of jazz and authentic Near Eastern music, born of his extensive experience in both areas. On the ethnic side, he trained with the renowned Turkish master Safet Gundeger, and on the jazz side with the legendary Lennie Tristano.

NOTE: We will be INSIDE: seating is provided, picnics are welcome, and masks are optional.

Livestream: www.facebook.com/christchurchuniting.