World Beat
Longwood Gardens is the place to be over the next few days, with several stellar—and surprising—performances.
Wednesday, Aug. 24 brings the Gipsy Kings, with their progressive, pop-oriented flamenco sounds. There’s a reason why they’ve sold 14 million records over the past 25 years: There’s no other group quite like them. Since they released the single “Bamboleo” in 1987, they’ve dominated the world music charts. See why. Tickets are $49-$139, through Ticketmaster, or by calling Ticketmaster Express at (866) 448-7849. Additional fees apply. (Garden Pass Members receive $5 off. Call Central Ticketing at 610-388-1000 for your discount code.)
More on the world beat: Quebec folk group Le Vent du Nord brings a French accent on Friday, Aug. 25, performing its own brand of Québécois music, which is heavily influenced by Celtic music from both Ireland and Brittany. That means fiddling, mandolin, accordion, guitars and plenty of dancing. The 9-year-old group just won a prestigious Juno Award for roots and traditional album of the year. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free with admission.
Are you familiar with dhol ‘n’ brass? We thought not. Your introduction is Saturday, Aug. 27, when Red Baraat brings its fusion of North Indian Bhangra rhythm and brass funk. The group is led by Sunny Jain, master of the dhol, a double-sided, barrel-shaped drum, who is joined by other drummers and percussionists, as well as five horns, to play Bollywood faves in unique ways. See for yourself. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free with admission.
Longwood Gardens is at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square, Pa. For more, call (610) 388-5200, or visit longwoodgardens.org.
On the Traditional Side…
Overseen by the legendary Plácido Domingo, the Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program provides instruction and guidance to young singers, conductors and directors on the verge of international careers, starting on the main stage of Washington National Opera. They’ve also performed at Opéra de Monte-Carlo, the White House, the Kennedy Center and more. Now you can see them on The Freeman Stage at Bayside, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. At $10 for a world-class event, this is a real treat. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for children under 18. Also, mark your calendar for Sept. 1, when First State Ballet Theatre performs a show of classical and contemporary highlights. For more on both, call 436-3015, or visit freemanstage.org.
Just for Fun
Who can resist “Hairspray,” the musical story of Tracy Turnblad’s dream of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show” and her overnight celebrity, which she uses to integrate the show? Dance and sing your ’60s heart away Aug. 24-25 at The Schwartz Center for the Arts in Dover. Visit schwartzcenter.com.
Amazing
We’re not calling it art or cultural, but who can deny the appeal of The Amazing Kreskin? The original “mentalist” has been called the Nostradamus of our time for his uncanny predictions. The cultural icon will perform at the New Candlelight Theatre one night only, Saturday, Aug. 27, beginning at 6 p.m. Call 475-2313, or visit nctstage.org. How did he know we wanted to see him in Arden? He must have read our minds…
