20070519 Estonian Folk Group to Perform in Westminster

Vägilased: Estonian Folk Group to Perform May 19^th, 2007 in Westminster

Posted May 16^th, 2007

For more information contact Audrey Cimino, 410-876-5505

Click here for more information on the Estonia Paide Westminster Maryland Sister City Partnership

Vägilased

An award-winning contemporary folk group from Estonia will perform a free concert in Westminster May 19, at 7 p.m., at Grace Hall, Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster, MD 21157.

Vägilased (“The Mighties”) combines centuries-old folk songs with jazz and rock Techniques and ancient folk dance rituals to create a unique contemporary musical experience.

They play to sell-out crowds at European folk festivals and were recently selected to perform at the United Nations in New York City.

Their current US tour is the result of a partnership between Arnold-based World Artists Experiences and the Embassy of Estonia.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County will be co-sponsoring this local performance. Tickets are not required for this free performance.

Vägilased, made up of young graduates of the Viljandi Culture Academy, began performing in 2000. Group members have diverse musical backgrounds encompassing traditional music, jazz, rock and pop.

Touring with the group will be singer Catlin Jaago;Toomas Valk on karmoshkas (Russian diatonic accordions); Jan Viileberg on acoustic Guitar; Marti Tarn, on bass guitar; percussionist Reigo Ahven, and saxophonist Marko Magi.

Their press information says they enjoy getting in front of audiences, getting their music out to people, lifting their spirits, and having a positive effect by doing so.

“We are thrilled to have a group of Vägilased’s caliber performing in our Ambassadors Series,” said Betty McGinnis, president of World Artists Experiences. “The arts are a unifying force that transcends all cultural barriers and Vägilased’s music really reflects that,” she said.

While in Maryland, Vagilased also will perform at Salisbury University, City Place in Frostburg, and at Annapolis, MD Hall for Creative Arts. Each Maryland location has a “sister city” relationship with a city in Estonia.

For more information about Vagilased, and to hear recordings of their music, to web site at www.vagilased.ee/eng/.

World Artists Experiences’ mission is to use the arts as a bridge to international understanding.

Its Ambassadors Series features noteworthy artist from around the world performing in local venues.

For information about the organization and upcoming events, visit their web site at www.WorldArtists.org.

Listen: Ema õpetus/Mother's Words of Wisdom mp3 6,7 Mb

Look at: Video, concert at Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2006

Look at: Photo album, Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2006

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Ansambel alustas 2000. a. Viljandi Kultuuriakadeemia kursuseansamblina. Bändi moosekantide ampluaasse kuuluvad nii pärimus-, rock-, pop- kui jazzmuusika. VÄGILASED on enim mänginud mõistagi Eestis, aga ka Soomes, Rootsis, Portugalis, Udmurtias, Ukrainas, Šetlandil ja Šotimaal ning hiljuti USA-s.

VÄGILASED tõlgivad eesti pärimusmuusika tänamõistetavasse muusikakeelde. Regilaulud, laulumängud ja tantsulood -- kaasaegne harmoonia ja rütmika annavad neile uue elu ja hoo. Ka bändi omalooming seisab eesti ja muuilma pärimusmuusika mustritel.

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