JODI GILBERT BALKAN SONG WORKSHOP at Cotton Factory on Sunday, June 19 (4 – 6 pm)

Amsterdam-based American vocalist, dancer, actor, and pedagogue Jodi Gilbert has enjoyed a fascinating and eclectic career thus far. She has received several grants to study theatrical forms and music (Wayang Kulit and Gender) in Bali and was sent to Mongolia by the Dutch government to work and perform with Mongolian musicians and singers. She continues to teach privately sponsored workshops in voice, dance, theatre, improvisation, and Balkan song throughout Europe and the USA.

Jodi Gilbert came into contact with the traditional musics of her Eastern European grandparents as a teenager, and since that time has been influenced by this music as a singer, and an improviser. She has taught many workshops in Balkan song in USA, and Europe.

Balkan song is an incredibly rich and varied oral tradition that has been passed down through countless generations. In Balkan countries singing accompanied every aspect of life; work and play, happiness and sadness. Those familiar with its sound know that it embodies great emotional intensity, and resonates with people the world over.

In this workshop we will learn and sing some of the beautiful folk songs sung at gatherings of everyday people in communities around the Balkans. We will explore the harmonies, melodies, rhythms of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, oa. Through these soulful songs (most sung in 2 and 3 part harmony), we'll explore techniques to open participants' voices to discover a natural Balkan folkloric timbre.

It is not necessary to read music, it is helpful, but much of the music will be taught by “ear” with just lyric sheets, sometimes music notation will be used. Singers of all ages, genders, and levels of experience are welcome! The only prerequisite is the ability to accurately match pitch and solidly hold one's part when singing in harmony with others.

$20 advance
$25 regular participants at door
$20 discounted at door for students, seniors, un(der)employed, artworkers
PLEASE REGISTER & PAY VIA EVENTBRITE

Beverages & snacks available

Limited capacity, masks, social distancing and vaccine passports may be required.

These concerts are made possible by kind support from Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, City of Hamilton, and Ontario Trillium Foundation. Big thanks to these funders for believing in what we aim to do.

Also a big thanks to The Cotton Factory, Bayfront Park, Bridgeworks and the Hamilton Public Library (for partnering with us and) for opening their doors to us …the Hamilton Spectator for their support.