Music Beyond Borders Set for MPAC, 6/28-8/9

Plan to spend your lunchtimes on Morristown's Green enjoying music and dance from Bavaria, India, Mexico and Polynesia. For the seventh consecutive year, Morris Arts and the Mayo Performing Arts Center continue their collaboration, presenting Music Beyond Borders, four free, outdoor, world music/dance programs during June, July and August 2016.

All concerts will run from 12:30-1:30 pm on The Morristown Green, starting June 28th and continuing on alternate Tuesdays until August 9th. Morristown United Methodist Church on the Green, 50 Park Place will be the rain site.

Brown bag a meal, stop by while walking your dog, take a lunch break from work and bring friends to experience a world music and dance celebration while getting to know your neighbors. The world is literally at your doorstep!

"We hope that people will enjoy our wonderful free lunchtime outdoor concerts that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the area," said Allison Larena, President and CEO of the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Tom Werder, Executive Director of Morris Arts, adds, "It's exciting to collaborate with the Mayo Center on this special series and to bring performing arts from around the world to the center of Morristown."

This year's schedule includes:

June 28, 2016: Smitty's Polka Band Trio Key into the high energy and fun of Smitty's Polka Band! Featuring the renowned accordionist/lead singer "Papa Bavarian," Smitty's has performed at major events and venues throughout the metropolitan area, including the Circle Line Bear Mountain cruise, top corporate and community Oktoberfests and even Derek Jeter's retirement party! Bring your dancing shoes and join the fun!

July 12, 2016: Indian Ragas and Rhythms, with Shivalik Ghoshal on Tabla and Vocalist/Harmonium player Andrew Shantz Take a sonic trip to the intricate and compelling world of classical Indian music with these two award-winning virtuoso performers from the Brooklyn Raga Massive. Shivalik's tabla playing was featured on the soundtrack of Born into Brothels, and he is currently working on re-orchestrating music for two Chicago productions of The Jungle Book. A multi-talented musician with jazz background, Andrew has trained in India and immersed himself in Hindustani-North Indian - classical music as a vocalist and harmonium player. One can only marvel at their complex improvisations and intricate rhythmic and melodic interactions.

July 26, 2016: Mexico Beyond Mariachi
An "exuberant feast for the senses," Mexico Beyond Mariachi explores the long history of diverse regions of Mexico, the rituals, myths, and celebrations with colorful costumes, authentic instruments, and lively music and dance. With drums, flutes, conch shells and dances of the pre-Hispanic through the modern eras, they have performed for over one million people across the world - including 30 recent performances at the New York Botanical Garden's Rose Hall for the blockbuster Frida Kahlo Exhibit. Don't miss this fascinating and enlightening performance.

August 9, 2016: Lei Pasifika - Tahitian and Hawaiian dance from the Pacific A performance group focused on preserving and sharing the music, dances and cultural heritage of Polynesia, (primarily Tahiti and Hawaii), Lei Pasifika takes audiences on a magical voyage through the legends and history of Polynesian culture. Led by founder Makalina Gallagher, (who was born and raised in and around the Pacific Islands), the dancers, along with the Tiny Bubble Band, have appeared in multiple Asian Pacific Festivals throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, in film promotions, on numerous TV shows and even at Bette Midler's 4th Annual Hulaween Ball. Now is your chance to travel to Tahiti - no plane ticket needed!

The Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2016 season is made possible in part by a grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Now in its 43rd year, Morris Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building community through the arts. Using the arts to inspire, connect and engage, Morris Arts serves as a resource for Morris County with a special focus on arts programming in the community and the schools, arts advocacy, creative placemaking and support of the Morris Area community of artists and arts organizations. http://www.morrisarts.org.

Celebrating 43 years of building community through the arts.
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts has awarded Morris Arts a "Citation of Excellence" and designated it as a "Major Service Organization" in recognition of its "solid history of service excellence, substantial activity and broad public service."