OneBeat, an arts and diplomacy initiative now in its fourth consecutive year, will culminate its 2015 program in Seattle for a series of collaborative music-making and social activism. Bringing 25 young musicians from 17 countries together for a two-week residency and subsequent tour, OneBeat combines studio production, experimentation, youth workshops, installations and public engagement into one month-long artistic fellowship focused on global perspectives and collaborative creation.
This year’s OneBeat began with a residency in Saratoga, CA, and the Fellows’ tour will take them through Portland before landing in Seattle on November 4. Upon arrival here in town, they will hold five performances open to the public. Given the wide array of countries and talents represented by this year’s participants, the performances promise to be diverse, courageous and completely unique.
Check out the list of events below, and support international music-making next weekend! Ticket prices vary; see OneBeat’s event listing for details.
OneBeat South: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8 PM: Columbia City Theater
OneBeat’s first public Seattle show launches in funky fashion with 25 musicians from 17 countries, and guest performances from Seattle’s Owuor Arunga (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Physics), Afro-Folk singer Naomi Wachira and hip-hop artist Draze, at the historic Columbia City Theater.
OneBeat Impact: Thursday, Nov. 5, 7-8:30 PM: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
A one-of-a-kind music event spotlighting OneBeat artists’ diverse backgrounds in social activism and innovation. Part town-hall forum, part heartfelt show, this event will bring together organizers, musicians, community members and scholars as we take a soul-searching, uplifting look at how the arts can truly be of service in creating more peaceful communities and a more just world. Reception to follow.
OneBeat School of Music: Friday, Nov. 6, 2:30 PM: EMP Museum
An inspiring daytime music event capping off a week of OneBeat musicians’ residencies at Seattle Public Schools, this program brings together students from around the city to perform for each other, and the public, at EMP Museum’s iconic Sky Church.
OneBeat @ SAM Remix: Friday, Nov. 6, 8 PM – 12 AM: Seattle Art Museum
A spotlight collaboration with the Seattle Art Museum and its signature nightlife series, Remix, OneBeat joins local Seattle artists to fill the museum with music and dance inspired by the stunning visual galleries and works that surround us.
Global Resonance: Saturday, Nov. 7, 8pm: St. Mark’s Cathedral
A collaboration between OneBeat and Abbey Arts. This acoustic performance is the closing event of OneBeat:Seattle and features OneBeat artists with Afro-Folk singer Naomi Wachira and other guest performers using the gorgeous resonant space of St. Mark’s Cathedral to perform freshly-minted songs and other original works that emerged from our month of collective music residency.
OneBeat is an initiative of the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the groundbreaking New York-based music organization Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation.
