Esplanade‘s got plenty of free stuff to keep you occupied on weekdays throughout September, thanks to Crossing Borders, which offers programmes focused on folk and traditional music from across the globe. Think of this as a non-travelling way of going around the world in 15 days.
On the first week, there’s Halau Hula Keala Kupono Lani, a journey of hula from ancient tribal Hawaii to modern day; Jyotisha, a gathering of diverse musicians from various backgrounds to play pieces influenced by sound, rhythm and groove; and #oudtalk2, featuring a trio of local oud players performing classic Middle Eastern and Malay tunes, as well as original melodies.
Next up on the Haji Raya Haji public holiday, watch The Burning Prata Brothers x Greg Tucker-Kellog play unique instruments like the dulcimer, commonly heard in bluegrass music, and the dobro, a type of acoustic guitar with steel resonating discs in the body. Joining them are the musical collaboration of Rawi Hamim x Falcon Band, with an arsenal of English, Malay and Chinese dialect songs.
The following day, check out Music of the Celts by instrumental folk music duo Celtic Bards. Then on the week of Sept 21, tune in to music of different genres from the Arab World performed with traditional Middle Eastern instruments by Samrah al-Mazikaty.
To round off the month, catch Swarythms and their original compositions on the tabla, bansuri and violin, as well as Krishna Blues’ Indian classical melodies. Then salsa the night away with infectious beats by Havana Social Club on the last Friday of September.
Crossing Borders is from Sept 4-8, 12-13, 20-22, 26-30 at Esplanade Concourse and Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. Free.
