Magid Ensemble is a collaboration between three musicians, a storyteller and a visual artist, all steeped in the folklore and music of Eastern European Jewish culture. Based mostly in Massachusetts, they’re doing a West Coast tour sharing their production, “Shterna and the Lost Voice,” which blends a story based on Yiddish folklore with original klezmer-inspired music and projected artwork. They’ll be at the Odd Fellows Temple Room on Tuesday, May 20.
L.A.’s Tropa Magica blend the uptempo grooves of cumbia with a whole bunch of other influences, everything from psychedelica to grunge, creating a mixture that is thoroughly danceable but otherwise completely unpredictable. The two core members of the band are also brothers, so they’ve got that sibling bond going for them. They’re in the middle of a big tour and they’re stopping by The Shakedown on Wednesday, May 21.
The annual Ski to Sea festivities move the local music center of gravity to Fairhaven for the weekend. So in between cheering for the competitors, take time to check out some local music. There’s the big show on the Village Green on Sunday, there’s a Stones Throw Block Party on Saturday, music at the Corner Taphouse and Skylark’s all weekend, and live music at Paws for a Beer on Sunday. If I had to pick one thing to recommend from all of it, it would be the deep instrumental funk grooves of Cozmic Sauce, 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Village Green.
Boundary Bay also traditionally goes hard for Ski to Sea weekend. This year is no exception. In addition to Friday and Saturday night shows, they’re devoting all of Sunday to a massive fundraiser called Fish-a-Palooza, a fundraiser for local music education programs featuring Arcade Cowboys, Blondie tribute Atomic Blondie, the hilariously bizarre cabaret stylings of Fruit Cocktail, and many more. Music will run from noon to 10 p.m.
Jesse Stanton’s music column, The Beat Goes On, appears weekly. Reach him at jsbhammusic@gmail.com; @JSBhamMusic. Check with individual venues to make sure events are still taking place as scheduled. Live music events in Whatcom County: http://www.cascadiadaily.com/category/living/arts-and-entertainment/music/music-calendar
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